The Island has a new head of tourism.

Angela Byrne has been promoted from within the Department of Economic Development, where for the past six months she's been acting head.

The role's described by Chief Executive Colin Kniveton as a highly important one, with a brief to drive tourism forward during difficult economic times.

Ms Byrne was previously employed as Quality and Service Manager, responsible for grading all tourist accommodation, the tourism awards, and the Taste Isle of Man and Homestay schemes.

She says her priorities will be identifying new opportunities to attract visitors and raising the Island's profile as a destination. With the ultimate aim she says, of maximising tourism's contribution to the wider economy.