A FURTHER reduction in visitors could cause Moulin Huet Pottery to close. Rex and Robina Opie started the business in 1966. But they said the gradual decline in the number of tourists was putting it under threat and this season could be their last.

‘I love potting but to keep it open and pay wages when you are not earning anything is a non-runner,’ said Mr Opie, who is also a member of the Visitor Attractions Committee.

He added that the present situation was a far cry from the late 60s and early 70s when the island was over-run with tourists.

‘The Bella Luce would call us and ask if we could sleep people and they would feed them,’ said Mr Opie.

‘Our car park used to get so full that I would put a sign out saying it was for customers only and there was a public car park further down the hill.’

At one stage, seven people were employed at the pottery but now there is only Mr and Mrs Opie and daughter Karla. Mr Opie said other attractions were having similar difficulties.

‘If it gets any worse and we are going to lose money, then what is the point? We will just have to look at it at the end of the season.’

He said many hotels had closed, including The Royal, Wyndhams, The Savoy and The Ellingham to name but a few.

Mr Opie failed to see the logic of past comments from the Tourist Board that the situation could be improved by reducing the bedstock.

‘Feedback from the other attractions is dreadful,’ said Mr Opie.

‘It could be a marketing problem. Tourism gets a budget to market the island and maybe it’s just not being done properly; I don’t know.’

Cheap package holidays to warmer climes made it difficult for Guernsey to compete, he said, and landing charges at Guernsey Airport were high.

Promoting the island as a venue for making films could be one way to generate income, he said, and these in turn could help persuade people to visit.

‘It’s just a question of people getting their heads together, making a think tank and pooling a few ideas.’

Mr Opie hoped things would improve following the review of the machinery of government.

Tourism now comes under the remit of the Commerce and Employment Department, led by Minister Stuart Falla.

‘Stuart Falla is a good man to have at the helm and I’m sure he will develop a good team, which is what we need,’ said Mr Opie.