ISLE of Man Tourism is aiming to attract more group visits to the Island by producing a dedicated travel guide for coach and group organisers.
The guide, which is the first of its kind, was produced in conjunction with industry partners and includes information on over 40 attractions, sample group itineraries and maps of the Island.
2,000 guides have been produced and each guide cost approximately £1.50.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK explained that group travel was important to the Island's economy.
He said: "The UK coach market, according to a report from the Confederation of Passenger Transport, was worth £2.3 billion in 2009 with over seven million customers taking a coach holiday in the UK.
"In the Isle of Man we had close to 340 coach visits in 2010 with over 11,600 customers which is worth approximately £4.5 million to our economy.
"The groups market, of which the coach business is one element, is an important part of the visitor profile and one my department would like to help develop in partnership with the industry."
Isle of Man Tourism has sent copies of the guide to all of the organisations featured in the guide with the option of having them stock a supply for visiting group leaders.
Guides have also been sent to 300 group travel organisers on the tourism database and will be distributed at the Best of Britain and Ireland exhibition and the Education Show. Supplies will also be taken to consumer exhibitions.
Political member for Tourism Geoff Corkish MHK said: "Our aim was to produce a comprehensive guide which not only assists the tour planner in preparing the itinerary but also provides a useful tool to guide the group leader and coach driver around the Isle of Man.
"We have sent it to all the organisations featured in the publication and have received some very positive comments."
Isle of Man Tourism thanked the Transport Division of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, the Highways Division of the Department of Infrastructure, Manx National Heritage and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for the contribution they made.
What do you think? Do you think it is good that the Island is trying to attract more group bookings? Let us know by leaving a comment below:
