‘Voice of hospitality’ to step down

Friday 01 July 2022

The head of the hospitality industry’s key industry lobby group has announced she is stepping down later this year as she moves to Dubai to pursue other interests.

Claire Boscq, who moved to Jersey more than 20 years ago, became the new CEO of the 300-business-strong Jersey Hospitality Association in September 2021 as covid-19 was still having an impact on the industry.

Ms Boscq will be staying until October, and work to appoint her successor has already begun.

"I first came here to work in hospitality from France thirty years ago, settling in Jersey permanently in 2000," she reflected.

"We have made considerable progress"

"Hospitality has always been my passion and I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the JHA, but it is time for me to find new opportunities in Dubai. It is a privilege to be working with the dedicated and talented people that make up the hospitality sector in Jersey.

"Hospitality is facing some serious challenges, but we have made considerable progress in supporting our members and addressing some of those issues.

"By working with the Government of Jersey we were able to extend work permits and visas for seasonal staff and welcome the first group of professionals from Antigua and Barbuda to work in the industry this year.

"We have also built up some strong relationships with the newly elected politicians, and, through the publication of our own 'election manifesto', the JHA will continue to lobby hard on behalf of our members and be the voice for hospitality in Jersey."

"Claire had a clear vision"

Paying tribute to her work, JHA Chair Tim Hubert commented: "Claire joined the JHA at a time when the industry had gone through its most difficult period since the Occupation and from day one it was clear that we had made the right choice.

"She was soon winning over the membership with her enthusiasm and love of the industry which she worked in when she first came to Jersey.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Claire and watch how she has used her role to support our members and forge new relationships which have greatly benefited the JHA, particularly with politicians and within Government."

He added: "Claire had a clear vision for how to move the JHA on from the disruption of the last two years and is putting that plan into action.

"We are extremely sad to see her go, but we are looking forward to meeting her successor."

LISTEN...

Express spoke to Claire Boscq about the challenges facing the industry shortly after her appointment...

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Pictured top: Claire Boscq, who was appointed to lead the JHA in September 2021, and will be stepping down in October 2022. (Andy Le Gresley)