The Department of Economic Development has launched the 2017 How’s Business Survey aimed at gaining a greater insight into tourism sector trends.
The survey, which is aimed at accommodation providers, activity providers, attraction owners and Taste eateries, focuses on gathering data on how the tourism sector has performed during 2017, their forecast for 2018 and any areas of concern.
Angela Byrne, Head of Tourism at the Department of Economic Development, commented:
‘We have seen some key trends coming out of the How’s Business survey over the past few years which have helped us shape what we do as a Department. With the new website now a year old and a number of other significant changes happening in the industry and broader economy, we are very keen to hear back from tourism businesses about how they are doing, while we continue to work closely with them in line with the Department’s Destination Management Plan.’
Results from the 2016 survey helped recognise trends including, how and where visitors booked their accommodation or activity and the main areas of concern affecting tourism businesses.
Cost of travel was a factor for 70% of respondents in 2016. Since then the new destination website allows businesses, including tour operators and travel providers, to submit special offers and last minute deals for visitors. The tourism team have encouraged all providers to submit offers that present a real cost saving to visitors.
Gaynor Haxby, Head of Public Services at Manx National Heritage added:
‘Customer profiling insights such as capturing visitor or resident visits and age groups are vital statistics in our work to understand and build our audiences, and to measure if developments and targeted campaigns have had an impact. Data capture and profiling can benefit all businesses and the better quality data we can share as an Island through the likes of the How’s Business Survey will help to inform forward plans and allow us to develop the offer for visitors. We are interested to see the results of this year’s survey.’
In correlation with the How’s Business survey, the Department’s Tourism team will also be hosting a number of drop-in sessions around the Island over the coming months to give the tourism industry chance to meet the team, learn more about listing businesses online and to discover more about marketing and the Accessibility Scheme.
The first session will take place on Wednesday 18 October from 4pm – 7pm at Brightlife in Andreas and providers are advised to register in advance.
Any Tourism accommodation or activity provider based on the Isle of Man who is interested in completing the How’s Business Survey is encouraged to do so.
For more information or to register for the Tourism drop-in sessions visit: https://www.visitisleofman.com/trade/events/upcoming-industry-events
