The Department of Economic Development has announced the shortlist for the Tourism Awards with another upbeat message on the performance of the Visitor Economy sector.
Laurence Skelly MHK the Political Member with responsibility for Tourism and Motorsport commented:
‘We received hundreds of nominations this year with a high quality of nominees. These awards recognise the contribution of tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses to the success of the visitor economy.
‘Our Visitor Economy Strategy is geared to offering greater quality and service within the sector and we are happy with the way 2013 has performed to date.
‘We are seeing increased visitor numbers this year through the Department’s targeting of certain niche markets and new innovations such as the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling which boosted visitor numbers and visitor spend this year.
‘We have received reports that key businesses in the sector have increased revenues by over 15% compared to last year’s Manx Grand Prix. Coupled with the fact that we boosted visitor spend by 5% in 2012, these figures are encouraging and are in line with our strategic aims.
‘We are continuing to work more collaboratively with the industry through initiatives such as the establishment of the Visitor Economy Stakeholder Group which will enable the Department to boost its promotional efforts to encourage even more visitors to visit the Island in 2014.
‘TT 2014 is already looking like another bumper event and we have already received enquiries for next year’s Festival of Motorcycling. Together with the Island of Culture 2014 programme of events I am confident that we will enter the New Year on a strong footing.’
The Department has also been encouraged by the number of new businesses setting up in the sector.
Mr Skelly continued:
‘Over the past year we have seen 22 new accommodation providers established with a further 10 in the pipeline meaning that there has been a 5% increase in bed spaces since 2009.
‘Additionally we have seen new attractions, such as Segway tours and Ape Mann Adventure Park in South Barrule, which have added to our already impressive array of things to do in the Isle of Man.
‘I believe that this shows that there is growing confidence in the visitor economy sector which is being driven by the excellent work that the Tourism team are undertaking.’
List of Nominations
The winners of the 2013 Tourism Awards will be announced on 2 December 2013.
Best Customer Service Nominees:
- Isle of Man Golf Tours
- Groudle Glen Cottages, Onchan, 3 Star self-catering
- Isle of Man Event Services
Best Hotel Accommodation Nominees:
- The Rutland Hotel, Douglas, 3 Star Hotel
- The Welbeck Hotel, Douglas, 3 Star Hotel
- Ramsey Park Hotel, Douglas, 3 Star Hotel, Silver Accolade
Best Guest Accommodation Nominees:
- The Arches, Port Erin, Bed & Breakfast 5 Star Gold Accolade
- Croit-Ny-Bane Farmhouse, Andreas, Bed & Breakfast, 5 Star Gold Accolade
- Raymond’s Bed & Breakfast, Douglas, 4 Star Silver Accolade
Best Self Catering Accommodation Nominees:
- Laxey Harbour Chalets, up to 4 Star
- Beach Cottage, Port Mooar, Maughold, 4 Star Gold Accolade
- Kionslieu Farm Cottages, 4 Star
Best Eating Out Experience Nominees:
- Jaks, Bar & Restaurant (Taste Isle of Man) Quality Assured
- Patchwork Café (Taste Isle of Man) Highest Quality Assured. Harvest Accolade
- Creek Inn (Taste Isle of Man) Quality Assured
Best Campsite & Hostel Nominees:
- Laxey Campsite, Laxey
- Saba’s Glen Yurt , Union Mills
- Venture Centre, Maughold
Best Attraction Nominees:
- Milntown
- Isle of Man Trike Tours
- Groudle Glen Railway
Best Town or Village Nominees:
- Port Erin
- Peel
- Castletown
