THE travel consultative group wants feedback from carriers about the number of complaints originating from the Island.

The group, which met for the first time recently, has been established on a trial basis.

It is chaired by political member for the Department of Infrastructure Graham Gregeen and has been set up following a recommendation by a Tynwald select committee in its report on the Steam Packet in 2008 and a public consultation earlier this year.

The purpose of the group is to discuss all forms of transport to and from the Island and consider recommendations to the Minister for Infrastructure on aspects of services that can be improved.

Feedback to the consultation showed that all of the carriers except one airline were against the proposal to establish the working group but an equal number of respondents thought it would be of benefit.

Representatives from TravelWatch and the Chamber of Commerce transport committee joined Mr Cregeen for the meeting along with the airport and harbours directors from the department.

Many aspects of both air and sea travel were discussed including seeking the ability to take an earlier flight without an additional charge, the public perception of air and sea carriers as well as general issues such as credit card booking transaction fees.

Mr Cregeen said: "We held a very fruitful meeting, talking through the current feedback on passenger and cargo issues regarding travel.

"Our starting point though has to be getting some feedback from the carriers regarding the level of comment and complaints originating from the Island. 

"It could be that we have the perception that there are some issues when in fact it is not the case.

"I have asked the airport and harbours directors to seek information from their carrier partners so that we can determine some benchmarking or determine if there are any genuine areas for further discussion."

The group will be meeting once again before the end of the year to consider the carrier comments. It will also be decided if there is a need to permanently establish the group.