Tourism and Commerce
Tourism in the Isle of Man is in transition. There is a constant and steady improvement in the basic quality of the general infrastructure and accommodation facilities that serve the Island's visitor. Mass tourism, which was prevalent in past decades has certainly become a thing of the past; a new 'product' has emerged to ensure that this important sector of the economy continues to contribute meaningfully to the Island's Gross National Product. Extensive investment is planned in respect of both new facilities and accommodation. Retail shopping developments have also been welcome additions to the basic tourist infrastructure.
The Island's tourist market has moved away from the traditional main family holiday market and is now focused on short break and specialist 'niche' sectors including special interest and special event traffic. The Isle of Man is well-placed to develop further walking and activity holidays; the market for heritage and vintage transport and motorsport events beyond the TT festival.
Tourism continues in its role as an important sector of the Manx economy. It underpins and justifies the frequency of many of the transport services to and from the Island, to the benefit of the local resident and business sector alike. In excess of 3,000 jobs in direct tourism or tourism related areas have been created within the tourism sector. The Island's leading hotels have embarked upon refurbishment programmes, improving their facilities with such features as health centres. Conference suites that accommodate corporate business meetings or major association conferences have also been provided. Golf frequently complements business conferences and the Isle of Man is well furnished with a total of nine courses.
A new £6 million heritage centre, the House of Manannan, opened at Peel in July 1997, to present the Island's Viking, Celtic and maritime history using the latest display techniques. It enhances 'The Story of Mann', a theme which is vigorously promoted throughout the UK and abroad by the Department of Tourism and Leisure, in conjunction with Manx National Heritage.