Visit Isle of Man is attending this year’s World Travel Market along with its partners Isle of Man Transport (Heritage Railways and Bus Vannin) and Manx National Heritage. Visit Isle of Man will be exhibiting as part of the UKinbound stand (UKI200).
Attendance follows the recently approved Visitor Economy Strategy 2022 – 2032 ‘Our Island, Our Future’ which lays out ambitious growth targets for achieving 500,000 visitors per annum by 2032. A key focus of the strategy is building partnerships with the travel trade, recognising the role this will play in achieving the DMOs growth plans.
The Island was the first entire nation in the world to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere. This accolade is a proud testament to the richness and scope of the Island’s awe-inspiring nature, its ancient and compelling history, and the vibrancy of its culture. With strong ferry connections and flight options across the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is well positioned to offer clients a welcome escape, close to home.
As well as outlining the key visitor highlights, including the vast array of heritage sites and unique railway options, the team will be updating travel trade partners on new product ideas, particularly those taking in our outstanding natural environment, as well as plans for quality development and accommodation transformation.
Stand partners and what’s new for 2023:
Visit Isle of Man are the supporters and promoters of a diverse visitor economy. With an adventure playground right on the doorstep, the opportunities for a unique and memorable holiday or short break are endless. To complement the already popular heritage and cultural offering, recent focus has been on the development of the Island’s active and adventure products for clients. One recent development for 2023 includes the upcoming launch of the Manx Summits walking routes. With eight different walking routes, visitors can scale 25 of the island’s summits over 1,000ft. The Manx uplands offer remote walking and the chance to see some exceptional viewpoints, natural beauty and wildlife.
Heritage Railways are custodians and operators of four historic railways: Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Isle of Man Steam Railway and the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway. The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway recommenced service in July 2022 following a break in 2019 for the refurbishment of the Douglas promenade for the benefit of residents and visitors. The railway network runs along the east coast of the Island, connecting key destinations, attractions and coastal walking routes.
In 2023 they are celebrating two milestones with 150 years of the Isle of Man Steam Railway and 130 years of the Manx Electric Railway, planning the biggest Summer Transport Festival from 23 July to 30 July to mark the anniversaries.
Manx National Heritage portray the 10,000 year history of the Island through ancient monuments, historic castles and buildings. They are hosting a new major exhibition, MUSEUM 100 in the Manx Museum National Art Gallery from 21 October 2022 until October 2023. The exhibition celebrates the centenary of the Manx Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts and archives that help tell the story of the Isle of Man and its people. The exhibition will be a colourful kaleidoscope of treasures from their stored collections, many of which will be on public display for the first time.
Opening in spring 2023 is the new Isle of Man TT gallery at the Manx Museum. This new permanent gallery will tell the story of the Isle of Man TT from its inception in 1907 to the present day, showcasing the tantalising taste of the TT atmosphere all year round through the real-life stories of everyone involved – riders, families, mechanics, marshals and fans.
If you would like to meet with the team, please visit stand UKI200 or email [email protected] to arrange a suitable time.
