High quality accommodation and an increase in the number of four and five star bed spaces point to a thriving visitor economy, according to Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly.

He has moved to reassure the public as the Mount Murray Hotel closes its doors today for good, with the loss of 30 jobs.

Mr Skelly says the sector was worth ?107million in 2013 and highlights new developments such as the Mannin on Broadway (pictured) that is due to open later this year. Figures show the number of bed spaces at four and five star increased by 21 per cent over the past five years to 53 per cent of overall bed spaces.

Thirty seven new accommodation businesses were established in 2014 and Mr Skelly says that this year to date 15 inquiries have been received from new businesses wishing to register accommodation.

The Minister said: 'We are also seeing planning applications from existing accommodation providers and campsites looking to diversify into providing upmarket camping, or ‘glamping’ as it is more commonly known.

'The tourism sector within the overall visitor economy continues to perform well and the indications we have been given are that leisure visitors staying in paid accommodation increased over 10 per cent in 2014 on the previous year.

'We are continuing to work closely with industry and they have advised us that this success translated into a year on year increase during 2014 in accommodation occupancy levels, passengers using our heritage railways, coach bookings and off-season ferry bookings.'


Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net

twitter @jonewsiom