With over 16 years’ managing bars and restaurants in the Channel Islands, and working in brand management with JJ Le Sueur, Mr Soar is a well-known face in local hospitality.
He said: “Jersey hospitality and tourism has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. During the recession people began going out less, and this trend has continued. Restaurants and bars have to compete with each other, and with other forms of entertainment, for people’s time and resources.
“My aim is to continue to help bringing the JHA forward so it can meet the demands of the industry, making it more resilient to the changes it faces. Hospitality and tourism play a huge role in Island life – as employers, as venues, and as part of the economy. A strong hospitality industry is vital to Island life and I look forward to doing my part to help it develop sustainably over the years to come.”
Last year the JHA celebrated its 60th anniversary, a milestone that highlighted how much the industry, and indeed, Jersey has changed over the past few decades.
Fiona Kerley, President of the JHA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon into the Association and look forward to working with him on behalf of our members.
“Hospitality faces many challenges over the next year – over customer numbers, over political issues such as Liquid Waste Charges, Population Policy, and Licensing Laws, and over the sorts of issues many organisations face supporting members and ensuring we offer the most relevant services to our Island’s hotels and restaurants. We anticipate 2018 will be another significant year for the JHA and with Simon we are all poised to rise to the challenge.”
