Isle of Man Tourism welcomed around 100 stakeholders to a very successful Tourism Industry Day held in the Shearwater Suite at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday 27st October. Exhibitors included Tourism’s Communications, Events, Motorsport, Product Development, Quality and Service and Welcome Centre teams. The objective of the day was to network and build on relationships with tourism stakeholders who play an important part in the development of the industry. This event is the first of its kind under the new Department of Economic Development structure and it is hoped that it will grow to become an important tool in developing relationships. A number of officials from the Department of Economic Development were present during the day including Minister Hon Allan Bell MHK, Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Political Member for Isle of Man Tourism and Rod Nipper, Director of Tourism. Also exhibiting were the Small Business Enterprise, Work Permits, Isle of Man College, the Training and Employment Group, Manx National Heritage, Isle of Man Bus and Railways and the Department of Infrastructure’s Douglas Promenade Project Consultation. Carriers included the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Manx2.com, easyJet, Flybe and Aer Arran. Invitations were extended to accommodation providers, tour operators, travel agents, eating establishments who have joined the Taste Isle of Man scheme, local authorities, regeneration committees, Isle of Man Food Ltd and local event organisers. Informal feedback during the day was very positive and those who attended felt it was well worthwhile. Geoff Corkish MBE MHK, Political Member for Isle of Man Tourism, said: ‘We are aware that both business and leisure visitors expect higher standards than ever before and people in the tourism industry are the key factor in their experience of the Isle of Man. The success of the 22 accommodation providers who were awarded Gold and Silver Accolades confirms that by working together we can continue to promote the Island as a quality destination. This in turn will encourage an increase in visitors and visitor spend for the benefit of the Island’s economy. ‘It is imperative that our stakeholders are kept informed of what Isle of Man Tourism is doing in terms of our current marketing activity and the Industry Day was a great opportunity for them to discuss with us the projects we are currently undertaking. We look forward to continue working with stakeholders in promoting and marketing the Island.’ The Isle of Man currently attracts approximately 300,000 visitors a year, one third of which are business visitors. To keep up to date with Isle of Man Tourism information follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/visitisleofman and on Twitter www.twitter.com/visitisleofman ENDS