The TMB is now known as the Tourism Advisory Board, which, alongside the Committee for Economic Development, is responsible for developing the island’s long-term tourism strategy, as well as providing oversight of the delivery and implementation of marketing and event plans.
And it has found a seat for the Guernsey Hospitality Association, which at one point was almost a rival organisation after the TMB was established nearly four years ago to bridge the gap between industry and government.
GHA president Alan Sillett, who is now on the board, said that the TBM had been imposed on the industry and called for it to be replaced by a more independent body with higher levels of funding.
The board came under fresh leadership at the beginning of the year.
With two industry representatives at its helm – co-chairs, Charlie Walker, managing director of the Little Big Hotel Group, and Clare Crowson, from UK-based tour operator Premier Holidays – it has changed its name, pivoted focus with a collaborative approach, and replaced existing roles on the board to welcome more like-minded industry stakeholders.
With a vision to develop a new tourism strategy, the TAB has Mr Sillett onside, as one of three new board members.
‘We’re pleased to have a seat at the table and welcome the opportunity to represent the interests of Guernsey’s hospitality and visitor economy,’ said Mr Sillett, whose organisation represents the majority of accommodation providers in the industry.
‘TAB is still in its very early stages, having only recently been established and held its first meeting, so it would be premature to make any detailed assessment at this point.
‘Our focus will be on working constructively with the other members, bringing forward the views and evidence from our industry, and helping to shape practical solutions that support tourism and the wider economy.
‘We look forward to seeing how the board develops over the coming months and will continue to engage positively while ensuring the hospitality sector’s voice is heard.’
The Guernsey Hospitality Association will take a permanent seat on the new board, along with the Guernsey Tourism Partnership, represented by Ant Ford-Parker. Its remaining board members now include Jamie Le Friec, owner of The Driftwood Inn; Andy Myers, head professional golfer at Golf19 and the Guernsey Golf Academy, and Economic Development’s tourism lead Deputy Lee Van Katwyk.