Research into the Island’s non-serviced accommodation, commissioned by the Department of Economic Development, has shown key opportunities for further development.
The research was commissioned to make an objective, independent assessment of the future potential for non-serviced visitor accommodation development on the Isle of Man, both in terms of developing existing stock and new provision if required.
Key findings from the research:
- There are significant potential markets from the UK and Ireland that would be interested in staying in non-serviced accommodation
- The Isle of Man does not currently have a sufficiently developed non-serviced accommodation offer to attract these markets and compete effectively for them
- There is current and growing interest on the Island for bringing forward non-serviced visitor accommodation development schemes on the Isle of Man
- The Island should consider additional high quality, distinctive accommodation to encourage people to make the journey to the Isle of Man
- Some non-serviced accommodation developments of scale (e.g. holiday parks) need to be considered.
- There are three identified barriers to securing further investment:
- The cost of getting to the Island is an issue for some markets
- The short tourist season and inclement winter weather
- Planning and policy restrictions can be complex and preventative.
Rob Callister MHK, Political Member at the Department with responsibility for Tourism, said:
‘The research has shown that the Isle of Man has an opportunity to develop more varied non-serviced accommodation. Without intervention to accelerate investment in this area the Island could be seen as uncompetitive as a destination. However, the Isle of Man is in a strong position as the market opportunity is there and there is developer, operator and investor interest in taking opportunities forward.
‘The Programme for Government clearly commits to growing the visitor economy in the Isle of Man. This independent research has shown that the opportunities for increasing the Island’s accommodation capacity and growing visitor numbers are linked to developing our non-serviced accommodation offering.
‘The research has now been presented to Political Members, officers and the non-serviced accommodation industry. The next steps will be to work closely with the private sector to understand and develop the findings, establish proactive recommendations and work together across Government and stakeholders to create a suitable environment for the growth in the quality and variety of our visitor accommodation and make a real difference to the Island’s profile as a holiday and short break destination.’
Non-serviced accommodation includes self-catering cottages, holiday apartments, holiday lodges and complexes, holiday resorts, campsites, touring caravan provision, glamping and youth and group accommodation.
The research was conducted independently by Hotel Solutions earlier this year.
