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An association of hotels wants to work with partner agencies to investigate ramping up the sports tourism offering for Guernsey after the huge sporting and commercial success of the Island Games.
Over 2,000 athletes, support staff and media representatives recently visited Guernsey for a week of Island Games sporting action, but some of the biggest competition between guests was finding accommodation in the run up.
The Guernsey Hospitality Association, which represents 48 hospitality providers across the Bailiwick, believes more can be done to promote and grow the sector which would benefit visitors and the tourism and hospitality industry, as it did earlier this month.
“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,” it said in a statement.
“The Games has showcased Guernsey at its best and will have reinforced the islands image as a safe, friendly, and beautiful destination for people to come and relax and enjoy island life.”
The GHA accepted that events on the scale of the Games will not be replicated soon but said there are “many ways” to organise different sporting events to increase visitors to the Bailiwick. It is therefore open to working with anyone to capitalise on this going forwards.
The GHA also thanked all those who came together to make the Games a success for athletes and visitors including volunteers, transport operators, logistics firms, and the sponsors.
Pictured: Andy Coleman said he heard nothing but positive feedback from guests visiting for the Island Games. Credit: Paul Mariess.
Andy Coleman of La Barbarie Hotel hosted the Shetland Islands team, which he said was “a pleasure”.
“Hearing the praise they have for Guernsey and the Games makes me very proud of our wonderful island,” he added.
Andrew Chantrell from the Red Carnation hotel group, which also sponsored the Games, echoed that, saying: “Both of our hotels were pleased to be actively involved in welcoming competitors, visiting media and VIP’s 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.”
Just days ago, the Little Big Hotel Group, which isn’t a member of the GHA, said it was interested in creating beach volleyball courts on the grounds of the Peninsula Hotel to attract foreign competitors should there be sufficient local interest.
It also backed the ongoing redevelopment of La Grande Mare hotel into a world-class golf destination for the same reason.
Hotel Group supports La Grande Mare plans
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