A recent seminar looked at attracting more visitors to Guernsey

The Guernsey Tourist Board is aiming to involve hotel owners and tourism operators more fully in the decision-making process.

Board chief executive Stuart Pinnell says he wants to give them a chance to put forward ideas and comments on how budgets for attracting people to the Bailiwick are being spent.

He says he sees strategic advisory groups becoming increasingly important in helping the Tourist Board becoming more responsive to the industry's needs.

I'm pleasantly surprised at the affordability of getting to the island Stuart Pinnell, Guernsey Tourist Board

It comes after a recent seminar organised by the island's Tourism Advisory Group was hailed a success.

It gave the industry a chance to digest research into visitor patterns first hand, while generating debate on how best to spend 2004's promotional budget.

Mr Pinnell he has further plans for increased co-operation in future.

He is aiming to develop a group that would work hand in hand with the board to develop a full calendar of events to improve the on-island visitor experience.

He also says he does not think the cost of getting to the islands puts off would-be visitors.

He said: "I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised at the affordability of getting to the island.

"It's getting better and is not high on the list of what would stop people from coming here, I think.

"People who book early and decide what they want to do can get some very attractive rates."