We’re All Going on a Autumn Holiday

Visit Isle of Man has announced plans to extend the visitor season into the autumn and winter, capturing a share of the increasing demand for off-peak UK short breaks.

As part of this, it is also rolling out a new Travel Trade Hub in an attempt to substantially grow their association with UK and Irish based travel agents and tour operators.

To assist with this, the island’s most popular visitor attractions will be operating throughout November with MNH’s 12 sites opening through to November 29 and the steam railway operating a weekend service. A supporting events calendar through to the end of the year will also provide an opportunity for visitors and residents to experience heritage and culture throughout autumn and winter.

Ranald Caldwell, Non-Executive Chair of Visit Isle of Man, said: ‘The newly approved Visitor Economy Strategy sets out ambitious targets of reaching 500,000 visitors per annum by 2032. To accelerate the strategic plan and create a platform for future growth, Visit Isle of Man have focused efforts on enhancing the visitor proposition from Quarter 4, encouraging visitors to travel to the Island during the shoulder season.

‘Seasonality is a major challenge to achieving our visitor growth targets, with reduced visitors between September and March resulting in a number of temporary business closures during that period. Extending the season and attracting visitors during the autumn and winter is critical to realising the Visitor Economy’s growth ambition.

‘Over the coming weeks we have an extensive plan to contact key UK and Irish travel trade businesses and speciality groups, as well as getting the message out through our existing accommodation providers that we are open for business this autumn and winter.’