17 July 2023

Guernsey Hospitality Association Statement on the 2023 Island Games

Last week was a wonderful success for the island, and we want to say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone involved in making the games run smoothly.

From the IG committee and organisers, to the hundreds of volunteers who worked so hard during their own free time, the participating teams and officials, the transport and logistics teams, the taxi companies and drivers, the hospitality teams at accommodation venues, bars, cafes and restaurants, the local media for their excellent coverage, all of the sponsors, and the Guernsey public for coming out to support the games in such large numbers.

The Games has showcased Guernsey at its best, and will have reinforced the island’s image as a safe, friendly, and beautiful destination for people to come and relax and enjoy island life.

Even though amongst many local sports teams we already have Guernsey FC and Guernsey Raiders playing their part for Sports Tourism on a regular basis, the Games has highlighted the value of Sports Tourism as a valuable and yet underutilised element of what the island has to offer.

Several of our hotels had high praise for their experience hosting visiting island teams, media and officials;

”It has been a pleasure to host the Shetland Islands team and hearing the praise they have for Guernsey and the games makes me very proud of our wonderful Island.”

Andy Coleman, La Barbarie Hotel

‘Red Carnation Hotels were delighted to be a sponsor of the 2023 Island Games and both of our hotels were pleased to be actively involved in welcoming competitors, visiting media and VIPs from a number of the participating islands.  All were unequivocal in their praise for the warm welcome and hospitality they received and their love of our beautiful island.’

Andrew Chantrell, Red Carnation Group

As an association with Tourism and Hospitality at its core, we believe there is more that can and should be done to promote and grow Sports Tourism. It obviously won’t often be on such a large scale as we saw last week, but there are many different ways that it can be organised using various different sports as a catalyst to bring visitors to the island.

The GHA would be delighted to work with other agencies on island to try and promote a legacy of growth in Sport related tourism for the benefit of all islanders and visitors to enjoy in the years ahead.

Once again, a huge THANK YOU to all involved in making the Island Games so special.