Visit Isle of Man, the Island’s travel and tourism agency has extended its visitor season. Together with its partners, Manx National Heritage, Isle of Man Steam Railways and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, visitors are now able to experience the Island’s attractions throughout October and November.
The news comes after Visit Isle of Man released its new strategy earlier this year, setting ambitious targets to reach 500,000 visitors per year by 2032, up from almost 330,000 in 2019, create 5,000 new visitor economy jobs and generate an annual Exchequer benefit of £49m. The off-peak season was identified as a major area for potential growth for the Island and offers an opportunity to increase tourist numbers significantly using existing accommodation and transport infrastructure.
Manx National Heritage has 12 sites which will remain open until 29 November, enabling visitors to explore the Isle of Man’s national heritage and culture through the autumn season. Visitors can enjoy a tour around one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world, in the Island’s ancient capital of Castletown, and the Island’s annual October festival of ‘Hop Tu Naa’ provides the opportunity to take in traditional music, dancing, cooking and crafts.
The Isle of Man Steam Railway will run a full schedule throughout October, additional weekend trips throughout November and a dedicated Steam Into Christmas 2022 event calendar, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the Island’s attractions. The Winter Transport Festival will take place 26 to 30 October with five days of events and activities on and around the Island’s heritage railways.
Recent research by VisitEngland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales showed that 27% of UK adults are expecting to take an overnight trip between October and December. The research also highlighted a focus on domestic holidays, with 30% of UK adults intending to take fewer overseas trips.
The Isle of Man is just a short flight or hassle-free sail way from the UK and Ireland, with the Steam Packet running daily ferries from Heysham and seasonally from Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast for both vehicles and foot passengers.
Ranald Caldwell, Non-Executive Chair of Visit Isle of Man said, “After re-opening our borders earlier this year, we are excited to be extending our season for the first time and look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to experience the Isle of Man’s unique historical and cultural offerings. The Island is the perfect place to feel a world away while only a short trip across the Irish Sea.
“Manx National Heritage and our Heritage Railways tell the story of our Island, from our ancient and compelling history through to the vibrant culture we have today. It’s a story we are very proud of and we are excited to share it with visitors this autumn and beyond.”
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