The 2013 Tourism Awards were announced this week and showcased the growing increase in quality offered by businesses in the local visitor economy.
 
Laurence Skelly MHK the Political Member with responsibility for Tourism and Motorsport presented the awards and commented:
 
‘The Isle of Man’s Visitor Economy Strategy is committed to achieving higher quality standards and service so I was delighted to hear of the glowing commendations that our local providers had received from the judges.
 
‘The high standards achieved by our finalists indicate a growing confidence in the sector and
I believe we’ve had a successful year with new entrants to the industry while the outlook for 2014 is also looking good.
 
‘The Steam Packet is reporting increased bookings for TT 2014 and the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling compared with the same time last year. We are also looking forward to the 2014 Island of Culture which will be a year for visitors to celebrate the extensive artistic and cultural life we enjoy here.’
 
The Visitor Economy in the Isle of Man currently provides employment for nearly 1500 people and local visitor spend was over ?100M in 2012.
 
The full list of 2013 Tourism Award nominee’s & winners is as follows:
 
Best Customer Service
 
William Carroll, Groudle Glen Cottages (Runner up)
Isle of Man Event Services Ltd (Finalist)
Isle of Man Golf Tours – WINNER

Best Eating Out Experience 
 
Patchwork Cafe, PSM (Runner Up)
Jak’s Bar & Steakhouse, Douglas (Finalist) 
The Creek Inn, Peel WINNER
 
Best Hotel Accommodation 
 
Ramsey Park Hotel, Ramsey (Runner Up)
The Rutland Hotel, Douglas (Finalist) 
The Welbeck Hotel, Douglas WINNER  
 
Best Guest Accommodation 
 
Croit-Ny-Bane, Bride (Runner Up)
Raymond’s, Douglas (Finalist)
The Arches, Port Erin WINNER 
 
Best Self-Catering
 
Laxey Harbour Chalets, Old Laxey (Runner Up)
Kionslieu Farm Cottages, Foxdale (Finalist) 
Beach Cottage, Maughold WINNER 
 
Best Campsite
 
Laxey Campsite, Laxey (Runner Up) 
Venture Centre – North (Finalist) 
Saba’s Glen Yurt Eco Campsite, Union Mills WINNER 
 
Best Attraction 
 
IOM Trike Tours (Runner Up) 
Milntown, Ramsey (Finalist)
Groudle Glen Railway WINNER  
 
Best Town/Village 
 
Castletown (Runner Up) 
Port Erin (Finalist) 
Peel WINNER
 
Event of the Year 
 
VMCC Vintage Motorcycle Club Jurby WINNER

Special Recognition Award 
 
Manx National Heritage