The deadline for businesses to register their visitor accommodation is the 27th January 2017.

Providers including hotels, metro hotels, self-catering units, guest accommodation, guest houses, bed and breakfast, farm-stay, inns, restaurants with rooms, serviced apartments, campsites and hostels are all required to register their business with the Department of Economic Development to ensure they comply with legislation.

Rob Callister MHK, Member of the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism and the Visitor Economy, commented:

‘The Department operates a number of registration schemes for both accommodation and other tourism businesses. These schemes are designed to ensure that quality standards across the breadth of the Isle of Man’s tourism sector are met.

‘Tourism is a vital part of the Isle of Man’s economy and working with industry to register, grade and promote accommodation is central to delivering both the expectations of the Island’s visitors and visitor growth.’

Angela Byrne, Head of Tourism at the Department of Economic Development added:

‘Registrations assist the Department to work with accommodation providers to offer the best stay they can for their customers ensuring items such as fire safety certification and insurance are in place. We have worked to ensure the registration fees are inexpensive and I believe the regulations offer a unique selling point for the Island when addressing any consumer confidence concerns.

‘We recognise that many businesses or individuals may simply not be aware of the requirements. If you receive payment for accommodation services, are unsure if you hold the right registrations or have any questions at all then please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.’

Any accommodation businesses with questions surrounding the registration process should contact Nicola Wilkinson at the Department of Economic Development:

nicola.wilkinson@gov.im
(01624) 685965

Photo - A well presented living area.  Courtesy of Ray Collister.