INDEPENDENT assessors have awarded 12 tourist accommodation properties a gold or silver grading for providing top quality and service to visitors.
The bed and breakfast and self catering properties have been awarded the accolades following assessment by independent assessors from the organisation Quality in Tourism.
These accolades, which are in addition to the properties star grading, were introduced last year and mirror a scheme which already operates in the UK run by Visit Britain.
Accolades are awarded for showing that the proprietors have gone above and beyond expectations with their quality and cleanliness and their standard of service and hospitality.
Gold award winners include - Ballagawne Farm Cottage, Ballakerkey Waterfall Barn, The Coach House at Ballamoar, Endfield House, Gloucester Manor and Stayboutique Apartments.
Silver award winners include - Carhonnag bed and breakfast, Crag Lea bed and breakfast, Coan Buigh Gwens bed and breakfast, Cherrywood bed and breakfast, Englewood Lodge and the Regency Hotel.
Geoff Corkish, political member for Isle of Man Tourism, said: "The Department of Economic Development's tourism division is constantly working to improve the quality of service provided to visitors and it is excellent that the highest achievers have been recognised in this way.
"Four or five star grading awards are a great achievement but to be awarded silver or gold accolades exclusively shows that these accommodation providers are all willing to go that extra mile to ensure that their guests' expectations are met, if not exceeded.
"They should be recognised and congratulated for their commitment to Isle of Man tourism."
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell said: "It is important that we continue to improve standards within the accommodation that the Island has to offer our visitors and these award winners are setting a standard for others to follow."
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L to R: Geoff Corkish with Howard and Nancy Eggerton from Cherrywood, David and Janet Thurlow from Coan Buigh Gwens, Jane Anderson from The Coach House, Jon Allen from Gloucester Manor, Joanne Walker from Ballagawne Farm Cottages, Claire Veale from Stayboutique Appartments and Maxine and Tevor Nall from Crag Lea.
