WORK & ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Covid-19 Support:
Collaborated with the States of Guernsey to develop a business support package for the accommodation sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was instrumental in ensuring the sector’s survival.

2. Industry Liaison:
Served as an industry liaison with the States of Guernsey (SoG) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring effective communication and coordinated responses.

3. Recovery Task Force:
Maintained representation on the States’ Recovery Task Force (RTF) from March 2020 to September 2022, with three GHA board members participating in regular meetings.

4. Immigration Policy Changes:
Collaborated with the Committee for Home Affairs (CfHA) and Guernsey Border Agency (GBA) to change immigration rules, allowing non‑EU hospitality workers on 9-month work permits (with 3-month off island
breaks). Subsequently advocated for a temporary extension permitting these work permits to run for 18 months continuously.

5. Addressing Staffing Crisis:
Following these changes, Guernsey welcomed its first hospitality recruit from Kenya in March 2021. This marked a significant turning point – with many qualified staff from Kenya and other countries joining the industry, the recruitment crisis was largely resolved.

6. Policy Advisory Panel:
Secured hospitality sector representation on the Population Employment Advisory Panel (PEAP).

7. Recruitment Partnerships:
Established strong relationships with the island’s two leading hospitality recruitment agencies, with regular liaison on employment issues to address staffing needs.

8. Local Film Support:
Provided support to White Rock Productions for its film “Dare to Dream” (2022).

9. Apprenticeship Programs:
Partnered with the Guernsey College of Further Education (GCFE) to enhance hospitality apprenticeship programs, resulting in increased student enrolment in 2024/25.

10. Culinary Competition:
Assist with judging at the annual Guernsey Rotary Young Chef of the Year competition.

11. Tourism Strategy Paper:
Developed a “Growth for Tourism” policy paper through a newly established arm’s-length organisation and presented it to Policy & Resources (P&R) and the Committee for Economic Development (CfED) in 2021.

12. Tourism Plan 2022–2027:
Produced a 10-point strategic plan for Guernsey’s tourism sector.

13. Long-Term Letting:
Liaised with Visit Guernsey and the Development & Planning Authority (DPA) to secure exemptions allowing accommodation providers to offer long-term lets (helping utilise tourist accommodation during offseasons).

14. Transport Coordination:
Collaborated with Condor Ferries’ leadership to improve ferry arrival times into Guernsey for the 2023 season, enhancing the visitor experience.

15. Banking Facilitation:
Arranged, with support from HSBC International, a fast-track process for new hospitality employees to open on-island bank accounts (2022).

16. Work Permit Expansion:
Worked with CfHA, the Population Management Office, and GBA to implement new Population Management Law (PML) policies that allow hospitality businesses to recruit internationally (rest of world) for any role on 3-year work permits.

17. Tourism Consultant:
Recommended industry expert Keith Beecham for engagement by the States of Guernsey to consult with the industry on the future of tourism management.

18. Tourism Report Release:
Advocated for the release of the tourism management report “Rebuilding Guernsey Tourism” (K. Beecham), which was subsequently published by the Committee for Economic Development.

19. Inter-Island Collaboration:
Established a close working relationship with the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) to share insights and support each other on common industry issues.

20. Employment Toolkit:
Produced and distributed to members an employer’s handbook (toolkit) covering all matters related to employment in the hospitality sector.

21. “Taste Guernsey” Festival:
Introduced the Taste Guernsey April Food Festival in 2023, with 24 restaurants offering set menus to promote local dairy and seafood.

22. Community Contributions:
Contributed to community causes by donating £1,200 to the Guernsey
Food Bank and hosting a complimentary Christmas lunch (with wine) for volunteers of the Guernsey Welfare Centre, in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

23. Member Surveys:
Conducted multiple member surveys to capture industry views on important issues (e.g. recruitment and employment challenges, air and sea links, the structure of a tourism body, accommodation availability).

24. Advocacy on Air Links:
In March 2024 (and again in August 2024), warned the States of Guernsey about potential problems for the summer season due to issues with Aurigny (the island’s airline), urging proactive measures to safeguard the visitor season.

25. Air Connectivity:
Continued to champion improvements to air links as a means to support economic growth and the recovery of the visitor economy.

26. Alcohol Duty Freeze:
Achieved a freeze on alcohol duty in 2025 through targeted lobbying efforts, aiding cost stability for hospitality businesses.

27. Political Engagement:
Published an industry election manifesto and hosted a successful “Meet the Deputies” networking event in June 2025, facilitating dialogue between industry members and elected officials.

28. Hospitality Awards:
Launched the annual GHA People Awards in March 2025 to recognise and celebrate outstanding professionals in the island’s hospitality industry. The inaugural event was a resounding success and is set to become a growing yearly tradition.

29. Chamber G8 Group:
Joined the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce’s new business focus group (the “G8”), broadening GHA’s reach and strengthening collaboration with other business sectors and government.

30. Ferry Service Engagement:
Built a positive relationship with Brittany Ferries’ senior management, and secured GHA representation on the Ferry Group established by the Committee for Economic Development to improve sea transport links.

31. Visitor Levy Research:
Investigated the potential introduction of a visitor levy, including gathering member feedback via a survey (November 2024).

32. Deputies’ Briefing on Levy:
Worked with an industry consultant to explore the visitor levy concept further, and hosted a briefing session for all Deputies with a presentation on the potential benefits and drawbacks of such levies.

33. Government Relations:
Maintained regular contact with various States committees and departments on a wide range of matters affecting the hospitality industry, ensuring the sector’s voice is heard in policy discussions.

34. Airport Committee Involvement:
Secured greater industry input in travel infrastructure – two GHA board members joined the Airport Consultative Committee (2025).

35. Industry Voice:
Established the GHA as a leading voice for the hospitality industry, with regular media commentary and appearances on industry matters.

36. Reputation and Credibility:
Significantly strengthened the association’s overall reputation and standing as a respected industry body.