2009 was a year of steady visitor growth, according to the Department of Tourism.
The Passenger Survey figures, compiled by Treasury’s Economic Affairs Division, confirm that a total of 287,124 non-residents visited the Isle of Man during 2009, compared with 275,203 in 2008. This figure, which includes business, visiting friends/relatives and day visits, shows an annual increase of 4.3%.
The figures show 102,618 leisure visitors stayed in paid accommodation, an increase of 5.9% on the 2008 figure.
However, there has been a decline in residents travelling off-Island, as the new official figure shows that 362,452 residents travelled away in 2009 as opposed to 399,569 in 2008; overall, resident travel fell by 9.3% in 2009.
Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, says, "It’s great news that we have achieved a 4.3% increase, amounting to an extra 11,921 visitors, in this current difficult economic climate and I am grateful to the carriers and industry members who have worked with us.
"As a result, many more millions of pounds have been circulating within the travel, hospitality, retail and food and drink sectors, all of whom will have benefited. It should also be noted that the successful 2009 ‘Island Lives’ TV advertising campaign, the www.visitisleofman.com website and the growth of quality self-catering units have also contributed to the increase in visitors to the Island from the UK.
"I look forward to the remainder of this year and building on the success of 2009. The Department is busy working with various event organisers and has an exciting range of events for visitors to enjoy this year.
"These include the annual Walking Festival, the ever popular Isle of Man Darts and Crown Green Bowls Festivals and Isle of Man Adventure Week. I am also pleased to report that we already have a record number of entries this year for the End to End Mountain Bike Challenge."
Two of the Government’s key aims are to increase the Isle of Man’s positive National identity and to diversify the economy. The Department of Tourism and Leisure has stated that it remains committed to achieving these and continues to work hard to attract more visitors to the Island.
