Cruise passengers will receive an even warmer Manx welcome from this season – and can take something of the Isle of Man with them when they depart.
The Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal now boasts a display of local food, drink and crafts in an attractive display dressed with Manx tartan.
The display is a collaboration between the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, as part of its ‘Food Matters’ strategy, and non-profit making business MostlyManx.
The 264 passengers on the French cruise liner L’Austral will be the first to sample the products on sale when it arrives in the Island tomorrow (Wednesday 11 May).
They will also be treated to samples of Manx cheese from Isle of Man Creamery, and MostlyManx staff will be dressed in Manx tartan, too.
The vessel’s captain will personally visit the displays and will be greeted by Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.
The Minister said: ‘Cruise passengers travel to attractions all over the Island, where they sample our fantastic Manx food and drink and purchase souvenirs of their visit.
‘We wanted to provide some of our finest Manx produce, as well as high quality gifts made by local artisans, at this entry and exit point to the Island, so cruise passengers can view the display as they arrive and make last minute purchases to take home.’
Ships’ passengers will receive leaflets about the display as they leave the ship, the Minister said.
‘L’Austral is one of 19 cruise ships that will visit the Island this year, so there’s the potential to reach many thousands of new customers.
‘As we grow the value of the food and drink industry to the economy, this is a great way of spreading the word about the quality and variety of Manx produce all around the world.
‘We are pleased to have worked with the Department of Economic Development’s cruise consultants and with the Department of Infrastructure to bring this about.’
