Barclay brothers Sark hotels closed amid tourism 'stagnation'

Sark Tourism says the island is open for business despite the closure of four of its six hotels

The four Sark hotels owned by the Barclay brothers will stay closed next year due to a lack of visitors.

The Aval du Creux and Petit Champ have been closed since the start of 2014, while Dixcart Bay and La Moinerie closed ahead of the 2015 season.

The closures were blamed on the lack of a customs post on Sark denying it access to the French tourism market.

Currently, visitors have to go via Guernsey, Jersey or Alderney to meet immigration and customs laws.

Dawn Manger, manager of the hotel group, said a "stagnation" in tourism was expected to continue.

Sark Shipping, which runs the ferry services to the island, said passenger number had risen from 48,655 in 2013 to 50,521 in 2014.

Sark Estate Management, which handles the Sark business interests of the billionaire brothers Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, has long campaigned for a customs post in the island.

The creation of a customs position has been discussed in a review of Sark's police force - which is staffed by volunteers - but no formal plans have been put forward.

The island's tourism committee has repeatedly said the island remains open for business with its two other hotels, guest houses, self-catering properties and campsites.

Sark Estate Management did not respond when asked if there were any plans to sell the hotels.