MORE accommodation is needed for TT visitors after early figures show around 3,000 visitors have already booked for the races in June.

Regency Travel, the official TT travel agent, revealed that there are around 3,000 confirmed visitors for this year's races – triple the amount who had booked by this time last year.

Isle of Man Tourism is appealing to the Manx community to open their doors to the public and invite paying guests to stay with them on a bed and breakfast or self catering basis as part of the Homestay scheme.

The scheme is used in the TT and Manx Grand Prix periods to supplement the Island's registered accommodation which are often fully booked.

Homeowners who wish to take part in the scheme can charge between £20 and £25 per person for bed and breakfast or can rent their whole house out on a self catering basis.

All income earned during the TT period is exempt from tax provided that the gross amount earned before expenses does not exceed £1,500.

Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "The Homestay scheme is a unique, affordable and exciting option and is a perfect way for visitors to get to know the local community and form friendly exchanges. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the Manx way of life from knowledgeable local residents.

"I would like to thank all those who have already registered to open up their homes to our visitors for the TT Centenary of the Mountain Course Festival. 

"I am delighted that forward bookings for the festival are already up on last year but we do, however, still need more accommodation for the many visitors to the Island during this particularly busy time of the year."

All accommodation which is registered must be inspected by a Homestay registration officer to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Anyone who wishes to register should contact Pippa Gilbert, tourism Homestay officer, on 01624 686802 or e-mail homestay@gov.im.

It is an offence, under the Tourist Act 1975, not to register your home whilst accommodating paying guests.