The closing down of a major Douglas promenade hotel for the winter has been followed by a scorching attack on the government and its record in backing the tourist season.
Sleepwell Group are closing the Rutland Hotel (pictured) down for the winter. It will re open on April 2nd.
Adrian Barsby, MD of the Group says they cannot afford to keep three hotels going throughout the winter.
Mr Barsby said the company had invested ?20 million in the Island in the last few years, but the number of tourists coming at this time of year and through the winter meant the move was financially necesary. Those with bookings at the Rutland have been moved to other hotels.
Mr Barsby said it was time a wake up call was sounded to the Government to produce much greater co operation between the private and public sectors.
He cited the lack of attractions at this time of year and the cost of travel as amongst the factor forcing the decision. He stressed the Island itself was very atttractive. What was at fault was the actions of the government in a lack of funding to keep the tourists coming throughout the year.
He suggested that other firms might also be looking at their year round operations with a view to rationalising.
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