Homeowners in the Isle of Man can still register their properties to participate in the Homestay schemes for both the 2018 TT Races and the 2018 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling. The deadline for registration is Monday 12 March 2018.
The Homestay Scheme provides an opportunity for households to host paying visitors for both the TT and Festival of Motorcycling. During the TT period ‘Homestay Hosts’ can earn up to £1,800 tax free income.
Rob Callister MHK, the Political Member responsible for tourism and motorsport at the Department for Enterprise commented:
‘There are a growing number of visiting fans from around the world who attend these two major events. In 2017 the TT Races and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling attracted an additional three thousand visitors to the Island compared with 2016, bringing the total to 61,272 visitors in 2017, with a combined estimated spend of £44 million, resulting in a contribution of £31 million to the local economy.
‘The provision of good quality Homestay accommodation is vital if we are to continue to grow these events and attract more visitors to the Isle of Man. We are always thankful to those who offer Homestay during these peak periods of demand and would encourage other homeowners to register their interest as soon as possible.’
Isle of Man firm MiQuando operates the Homestay schemes on behalf of the Department and is responsible for carrying out property inspections, providing advice on the scheme’s fire safety requirements, marketing, online booking for visitors, and assisting hosts with managing their online Homestay listing.
Homestay registration is compulsory for any private household looking to take in paying visitors during the two festivals. MiQuando is launching a new tool on the Homestay website, that will allow visitors and anybody interested in the scheme to check any registered Homestay property in the Island.
Nigel Jones, Director at MiQuando, said:
‘We receive daily enquiries from visitors wanting to check if their Homestay is registered. Our new Property Checker service will allow everyone to quickly check the Homestay Registration details for any local address. This is a much anticipated extra service provided by the team here at MiQuando.’
A new one-year registration costs £50, and hosts registering for two years can do so for £75, equating to £37.50 per year.
Homestay can be offered during TT for any number of nights between 26 May and 8 June and for the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling between 18 and 31 August. Last year over 850 properties were registered.
For further information and terms and conditions please download the Homestay Hosts’ information pack from http://homestay.miquando.com/Home/hostinfo or telephone +44 1624 640393.
