And up to 3% of the stock is allowed to be used by long-stay key workers if they are unable to find alternatives once in the island. 

The Board says the rate of loss has slowed in recent years, but still fears more sites or providers exiting the market.  

“Housing costs have inevitably made it attractive for sections of the accommodation sector to consider applications for change of use enabling them to release units for sale on the local market,” it said. “Any further erosion of our accommodation will begin to have far reaching impacts on the viability of tourism and that in turn has an impact on our air and sea links."

That’s exactly what Economic Development President, Deputy Neil Inder warned of last year. He said the need for more housing could create an exodus of hoteliers, especially since many are ageing and could consider selling on without a hospitality succession plan.  

A key aim of the strategy is to protect the number of beds which currently exist, while encouraging continued investment and reinvestment into the sector to enhance the quality of accommodation for visitors - noted as being one of the main points of contact throughout any stay. 

The Board also wants to see flexibility in the planning system to allow for “quirky” conversions of key sites, or new developments near the airport which currently wouldn’t be permitted under planning laws. Restrictions on holiday homes lets could also be relaxed to add options for the down season, it’s also argued. 

Investing in additional marketing to promote spaces throughout the year, seamless booking systems, tourism related partnerships, and additional data provided to government will benefit the user and the industry, the framework adds.  

“The quality and cost of accommodation available is undoubtedly a deciding factor for our visitors when choosing the Bailiwick as a destination to visit with the quality of their experience influencing decisions on whether to make a return visit and what they share on social media and tell their friends,” the framework says. 

“Today’s visitor not only wants value for money and quality but there is an increasing popularity for more quirky accommodation such as glamping, treehouses, lighthouses, railway stations, floating pods, churches and heritage sites. 

“There needs to be flexibility within planning regulations so that potential investors can develop quality accommodation potentially outside of the main centres and not on existing sites. For example, if a developer wanted to build a hotel close to the airport, then provision needs to be built into the Airport Master Plan. 

“Airbnb and other ‘holiday homes’ should be further encouraged to offer a variety of choice and price points. There is a 10-week rental policy for homeowners who let out their property through Airbnb with most taking advantage of the peak season – June, July, and August. Permitting homeowners to rent their properties for longer than a 10-week period would open up these options for the shoulder months."

But it did note there are ongoing projects which look positive for the future.