The Department of Economic Development has responded to the latest Isle of Man passenger survey which revealed a 6.5% increase in leisure visitors to the Island in 2015, rising to 134,610, the seventh consecutive annual increase.
David Cretney MLC, the Department’s Member with responsibility for Tourism said:
‘It has been another great year for tourism in the Isle of Man following a continuous effort to promote the Island as a destination for UK travellers looking for a break away without going too far from home.
‘The results are testament to the sterling efforts of the public and private sector - led by the Department’s Tourism team and the Visitor Economy Strategic Group - working together in partnership to promote the Island and in improving the infrastructure for Tourism.
The survey highlighted that:
- The number of non-business visitors staying in paid accommodation (tourists) increased by 6.5% during 2015 to 134,610.
- The total number of visitors including business and non-business during 2015 increased by 3.8% to 287,534.
- The average length of stay of visitors to the island (including business visitors) was estimated at 5.5 nights, which is a small increase compared with 2014.
- Estimated total expenditure by visitors to the Island during 2015 was £108.8m, and on average visitors spent £378 per visit.
The survey is available on the Government website while paper copies can be obtained from the Tynwald Library.
