Isle of Man Tourism have announced that registration for ‘Taste Isle of Man’, the quality assessment scheme for restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways and other eateries in the Isle of Man, has now closed for this year. The current directory, which was launched during 2010 and distributed Island wide, introduces visitors and local residents to the Isle of Man’s diverse range of quality assured eating and takeaway food establishments, listing them as either ‘Quality Assured’ or ‘Highest Quality Assured’. Last year 32 members chose to register with Isle of Man Tourism for the ‘Taste Isle of Man’ scheme and this year there is a record number of 45 registrations, made up of 31 renewals and 14 new members. The new 2011 directory will be launched at the beginning of the Summer. Minister for the Department of Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, said: ‘We are proud to be able to offer our visitors and residents a choice of 45 accredited eating establishments across the Isle of Man where they can expect a quality customer experience. The food and drink industry is most important to our economy and the aim of the scheme is to drive more business to these venues across the Island. There is also the additional benefit of promotional support through advertising and the www.visitisleofman.com website.’ Each of the venues listed in the Directory are members of the scheme and are inspected annually by independent assessors, who assess every aspect of the customer experience including public areas, cleanliness, bar and restaurant, hospitality, service and efficiency and food quality. Those who achieve the accreditation are awarded a ‘Quality Assured’ or ‘Highest Quality Assured’ sign to display outside their premises. They are also assessed on the use and promotion of local produce and those achieving a score of over 60% are awarded the ‘Harvest Isle of Man’ accolade, which is supported by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. Member for the Department of Economic Development responsible for Tourism, Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, added: ‘The key message we are keen to deliver is that ‘Taste Isle of Man’ accredited venues have been independently assessed by qualified assessors from the UK, in accordance with a strict criteria covering all aspects of the customer experience. ‘It is important that we reward those with a passion for quality and local cuisine and it will help to provide consumers with a uniformed quality standard which can be easily identified.’ For further information on ‘Taste Isle of Man’ contact Nikki Salmon, Isle of Man Tourism Quality and Services Executive on 685965. ENDS