Visitor levy must benefit tourists - hospitality boss

Mr Sillett said the visitor levy was a "controversial subject"

Hospitality bosses will support the introduction of a visitor levy if the revenue raised goes towards tourism, industry leaders have said.

Alan Sillett, president of the Guernsey Hospitality Association (GHA), said the association would consider supporting the move if it was "100% ring-fenced for tourism-related initiatives".

Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, president of the Committee for Economic Development, said the committee was "working up options" in respect of a visitor levy, and it was to consult with the industry and others in due course.

She said the work would be completed when the Policy and Resources Committee's tax review work was complete in 2026.

'Controversial subject'

Kazantseva-Miller said the outcome of the tax review would be "a material factor in considerations around a visitor levy".

Mr Sillett said a visitor levy was a "controversial subject".

He said the proposal was under consideration by the States of Guernsey, adding "before any decisions are made, there definitely needs to be proper consultation".

He added: "If it's used wisely and 100% ring-fenced for tourism-related initiatives, we would definitely consider supporting it.

Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said the outcome of the tax review would be "a material factor in considerations around a visitor levy"

"If it's not, if they're going to take money off visitors and some of it disappears into a general revenue black hole, then we couldn't support it.

"That sounds immoral - you're taking money from visitors coming here and they're not seeing any benefit."

Hannah Beacom, chair of the Tourism Management Board and the owner of Island Coachways Ltd, said "a lot of discussions" would need to be had with the industry to get it "across the line".

"In general, we are supportive of it because we'd like to see more investment in our industry," she added.

Nicki Harrison, a travel counsellor, said it was important to only introduce it if "Jersey also does".

She said: "Jersey is probably our biggest competition in terms of a tourism destination.

"So, if Jersey doesn't do it, then why would people pay to come to Guernsey.

"They could go to Jersey and not pay a tax, and also have more availability on things like flights and accommodation."