Attracting new visitors a 'concern for hotels'

David Seymour reflected on the future challenges of the hotel industry

The head of a family-owned group of Jersey hotels, who is stepping down from his role after 43 years, says attracting future generations is a challenge for the industry.

David Seymour, who started working in the family business when he was 11 years old, will be handing over his role as managing director of Seymour Hotels to his son Matthew Seymour on 2 November.

David said working in the industry "can be tough", but the people he had met had been the best bit about the job.

Seymour Hotels, which started in 1920, owns the hotels Pomme D'or, Greenhills and the Merton and employs 350 staff.

'Very proud'

"We're very fortunate that we have a very loyal customer base, but that is changing," he said.

"Clearly visitors are getting older and we as a business, we as an island, have to go out and look at how we are going to replace visitors who can no longer come to the island, and I think that's a big challenge."

David said he would like to see more local people build and run hotels in Jersey.

"I don't think it should just be branded hotels that come in to the island," he said.

"I'm very proud of what the island does and what it represents, I think the more we preserve our identity the better it's going to be for everybody."

David said: "I'd like to see Matthew have fun [in the role], if we didn't have the enjoyable side of working in our business I'm not sure how many people would do. It can be tough."

He said the most enjoyable aspect of working in the hotel industry had been the people he had met.

"Ultimately, it has to be that sort of warm glow you get at the end of the day knowing that someone is walking out of your property having had a wonderful stay, and that all our staff have done everything they possibly can do to make it as enjoyable as possible," he said.