Richard Heaume, who constructed the German Occupation Museum from artefacts he collected after the Occupation, has stated that the dearth of assist for the reason that pandemic has meant his enterprise is not worthwhile.

‘When Covid got here, everybody’s priorities have been elsewhere, however they’ve by no means actually gone again. With the brand new States in 2020, we noticed a transfer away from Go to Guernsey as a partnership and now we have now a fragmented vacationer trade,’ he stated.

‘In 2020 we had no enterprise, in 2021 it picked up barely, as with 2022 and 2023, but it surely has not bought again to 2019 ranges once we have been getting about 10,000 guests a 12 months.

‘We’re not truly breaking even proper now, it’s a really difficult drawback.’

He stated that the lack of the Tradition & Leisure Committee has cut up the tourism trade between Financial Growth and Training, Sport & Tradition, however every part wanted to return beneath the identical umbrella for Guernsey to spice up its economic system.

Between the 2 States committees, the Hospitality Affiliation and the Vacationer Administration Board, everyone seems to be working alone and pulling in their very own course, he stated.

‘The long run isn’t wanting good, even with cruise ships, the larger ones are not coming and we are able to’t rely upon cruise ship passengers anyway. We want individuals to return right here, to remain right here and to spend cash,’ stated Mr Heaume.

‘I don’t see issues bettering. I’ve voiced considerations to the tourism board that we have to market Guernsey all 12 months spherical. I’ve one of many few points of interest that’s open every single day of the 12 months besides Christmas Day, however year-round tourism will maintain the inns going and the employees over.’

A few of Mr Heaume’s concepts embrace extra advertising and marketing of the island with an even bigger finances, in addition to seeing via the Victor Hugo Centre and maybe reproducing Renoir’s work to show in a everlasting gallery.

‘If tourism comes beneath one umbrella we are able to regulate and management the points of interest. You may have one voice to publicise all of the issues within the island and work as a group. We’re working with a number of totally different teams in the meanwhile and everyone seems to be on their very own, and sadly quite a lot of the island’s

points of interest have fallen by the wayside, however hopefully we are able to resurrect what we’ve bought and construct on it for the long run,’ he stated.