A NEW focus on attracting more tourists to the Isle of Man, particularly in the quiet months outside of the traditional visitor seasons, is about to be launched by government in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.
Working together with the Manx Hospitality Partnership, agreement has been reached by the Chamber and the Department of Economic Development to target more visitors to come to the Island and fill empty hotel bedrooms with a particular emphasis on business travellers.
The plan brings together groups within the tourist industry into a collective group to exchange ideas and initiatives, working closely in a more structured manner to create new business for the economy.
The Isle of Man offers a total of 5,328 bed spaces through its various tourism facilities, in hotels, guest houses, apartments and holiday homes. For some parts of the year the majority of the bedrooms are filled and at certain times - such as the TT and Manx Grand Prix - the Island has no extra capacity and opens up its homestay system.
However, there are some times of the year - in particular the periods in spring and autumn known as the “shoulder months” - where the government and the Chamber of Commerce believes there is potential for new business..
Mike Hennessy, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said the main aim of the initiative was to “enhance the overall proposition” with the eventual aim of increasing visitor numbers.
“‘This is an exciting opportunity for members of the tourism sector with drive, energy and enthusiasm, to influence and contribute to the future development of the Isle of Man visitor economy.
“I would hasten to add that it is not designed to be a pure Chamber member initiative. We welcome involvement from all across the business community.”
It is intended to structure the new partnership with a main steering committee supported by stakeholder groups in the areas of accommodation, hospitality and services, events, travel and transport.
A statement issued jointly by the Department of Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce today said, “The key themes which emerged from the initial scoping meeting were communication, improved planning and co-ordination between private and public sector, use of technology and the sharing of market research and intelligence.
“The next step in the formation of the partnership is to seek interested members from across the visitor economy to take on roles within the stakeholder groups. This will be co-ordinated through the Chamber of Commerce.”
Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, political member for Isle of Man Tourism, said, “Developing a shared vision and concrete objectives for tourism will be at the heart of the group’s initial work.”
