Tourism bosses are looking for people who can help to build the industry to join them.

Visit Isle of Man, the government agency that has a similar role to the old Tourist Board, is recruiting people to join its executive board.

The existing board members have come to the end of their initial term.

The agency wants to grow annual visitor numbers to 500,000, with a subsequent economic contribution of £430million, by 2032.

Ranald Caldwell, non-executive chairman of the Visit agency, said: ’The Isle of Man’s visitor economy plays a fundamental role in the Isle of Man Government’s overarching vision to build a secure, vibrant and sustainable future for the island.

’Visitor spending provides income for, and supports employment in, the island’s accommodation, retail, hospitality, attractions, transport, and entertainment sectors, with considerable supply chain benefits.’

He added that tourism helped to maintain air and sea transport links and made the Isle of Man a more attractive as a place in which to invest.

’Our research shows huge potential for our visitor economy to not only recover quickly from the Covid-19 pandemic but to also grow strongly through to 2032, ensuring we contribute to a strong and diverse economy, an environment to be proud of and an island of health and wellbeing, as outlined in the Isle of Man Government’s "Our Island Plan".

’Our 10-year strategic plan, "Our Island, Our Future", will launch in the New Year, setting the course for the Isle of Man to be a premier destination in the UK short break market.

’As an island destination with a fantastic seascape, coastline and landscape, UNESCO Biosphere designation, unique Manx heritage, culture and food, and international recognition as the home of the TT, we have many unique assets as a place to visit.

The application form for expressions of interest can be downloaded from the www.visitisleofman.com website.

Completed applications and a copy of your CV should be emailed to Angela Byrne, head of Visit Isle of Man, at [email protected]

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday, December 20.