THE Isle of Man’s TT Homestay scheme is being strongly promoted by the government’s tourism department for the 2011 Mountain Course centenary which is on target to attract extra fans.
It’s expected that demand for accommodation will be higher than normal - as experienced for the 100th TT anniversary in 2007 - so the government has started promoting the homestay programme earlier than usual.
“The homestay scheme is hugely popular with our visitors seeking accommodation during the TT Races when demand outstrips our hotel and guest accommodation availability,” said Economic Development minister Allan Bell.
“We want our visitors to enjoy their experience on the Isle of Man during the TT Races, which is why we encourage them to check out the accommodation on the approved homestay list as the Isle of Man Tourism team have already carried out site visits to make sure that it meets the required standard.
The Isle of Man Tourism team runs an authorised service where local residents offer their houses, flats or individual beds for paying guests on a bed-and-breakfast or self-catering basis.
Isle of Man Tourism registered 670 properties for the TT and Manx Grand Prix periods in 2010 and this year they have already issued an appeal to local residents to provide additional accommodation for visitors to cope with the increased demand because of the Mountain Course centenary.
All of the registered accommodation providers in the Homestay Programme have their properties inspected to ensure that they are of the required standard. The accommodation provides an affordable way to visit the event with the average price of a night costing around £20 to £25 per person.
The full list of accommodation can be found at the Isle of Man Tourism website – visitisleofman.com or the official TT Races website iomtt.com.
Allan Bell added, ‘We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world. By offering Homestay local residents can give them a genuine warm Manx welcome and hopefully make lifetime friendships.”
• Isle of Man Tourism wishes to stress that people accommodating paying guests in their homes have to be inspected by their officers before being accepted onto the scheme. It is an offence under the Tourist Act 1975 if you do not register your home and you are accommodating paying guests.
