The Department of Economic Development has announced the re-launch of its www.visitisleofman.com website in line with its increased focus on digital marketing for the tourism sector.
 
This, the first phase of the website redevelopment project, features much improved navigation and more attractive page design providing the visitors to the website with a better experience than previously.
 
The website also features new copy and boasts a bright and vibrant new colour scheme and a range of up-to date photography. 200 pages are packed full of ‘places to visit’ and ‘things to do’, including heritage attractions, glens, wildlife, water sports, motorsports, events and accommodation.

The site currently receives nearly 100,000 unique visitors and approximately 1.5 million page views every month.  However, the Department recognised that there was a requirement to update visitisleofman.com to keep up with the online experience visitors now expect from destination websites and to take account of industry feedback.  The new site better targets the Island’s key visitor markets which were highlighted in the recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy.  There is also a greater prominence given to social media to encourage wider sharing across social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
 
Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive, Department of Economic Development, commented:
 
‘The website is a key marketing tool for the Department to promote the Isle of Man to visitors, highlighting our many attractions as well as major events such as the TT, Isle of Man Walking Festival, Manx Grand Prix, Adventure Week and Darts Festival.
 
We will have a much improved ability to edit the site and keep it up-to date in line with feedback received from our tourism and hospitality industry as well as visitors themselves.'
 
Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Political Member of the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism, is very pleased with the new website.  He explained:
 
‘As we approach Easter, this is the perfect time to re-launch the website and I am confident that it will further encourage people to visit the Isle of Man.  The site is a one-stop shop for everyone interested in the Isle of Man and I hope people will take the opportunity to save it to their favourites. Local people will also find it useful for seeing the wealth of events; attractions and activities that the Isle of Man offers and we would encourage residents to use it to help entice friends and family to visit this year.
 
The second phase of the website redevelopment project will make key functional improvements to the website in areas such as accommodation and event search.  This will be fully integrated with the key promotional activities designed to ensure we maximise visibility with our key target audiences, including advertising, e-mail campaigns and exhibitions.
 
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