THE future of the Isle of Man’s tourism industry is "bright" and should not be talked down.
That's the message from Deputy Chief Constable Gary Roberts who helped judge this year's Tourism Awards.
The awards, which are in their sixth year, were presented to members of the tourism industry at an event held at the Mount Murray Hotel yesterday (Wednesday).
Visitors had been asked to nominate the people and places they felt helped provide an enjoyable and reliable holiday experience while they were in the Island.
These nominations were then reviewed and a final shortlist was compiled by Mr Roberts and representatives from 3FM and Heron and Brearley.
Nine businesses were presented with accolades in total – a full list of winners can be found by clicking here.
Mr Roberts, who also judged the awards last year, said: "Our job was a pleasurable one and we were overwhelmed and impressed with the level and quality of nominations.
"In the Isle of Man it really frustrates me that there are people who take it as their right to talk the Isle of Man down. We consistently punch above our weight in everything we do.
"What we saw when we were judging the awards were consistently good things done by people in the tourist trade.
"We left our judging absolutely convinced that the future of tourism is a bright one."
Political member for Tourism Geoff Corkish MHK said: "Tourism has a very important role to play in helping achieve the objectives of the Department of Economic Development in promoting and encouraging the creation of a successful and diverse economy. It underpins so much of what is good in the Isle of Man.
"2011 has been a very busy year with the Centenary of the Mountain Course and the Commonwealth Youth Games which have placed the Isle of Man very much on the world stage.
"Now we're looking forward to 2012 and we'll continue to work hard to promote the Island as a first class visitor destination."
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L to R: Front row – Angela Byrne (acting head of tourism), Gail Jones (Harbour Lights), Laura Quinn (tourism events officer), Sandra Jones (Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse), Jane Hooson-Owen (Beachcroft Guest House), Andy Turner and Henry Newson (Isle of Man Trike Tours). Back row – Nikki Salmon (tourism executive), Allan Jones (Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse), Tony Palmer (3FM), Gary Roberts (deputy chief constable), Geoff Corkish MHK.
