The deadline for businesses to register their visitor accommodation for operation between February 2020 and February 2021 is January 24.

Providers including hotels, self-catering units, guest accommodation, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, inns, restaurants with rooms, serviced flats, campsites and hostels are all required to register their business with the Department for Enterprise to ensure they comply with the statutory requirements to offer visitor accommodation.

This also applies to individuals who want to list rooms or properties on websites such as Airbnb and Hotels.com.

Rob Callister MHK, the politician responsible for the government’s tourism agency, Visit Isle of Man, and motorsport, said: ’Quality is a key driver of success for destinations as consumer expectations are at a higher level than ever before.

’Our quality assurance schemes, and visitor accommodation grading, gives visitors confidence in the standard of accommodation offered here in the Isle of Man.

’The mandatory registration of accommodation in the Isle of Man is an important way of ensuring essential standards are upheld, including adherence to fire safety and inclusion of the appropriate insurance.

’Any businesses or individuals receiving payment for accommodation services must be registered.

’I would encourage any businesses or individuals who aren’t sure if they hold the correct registrations to get in touch with Visit Isle of Man who can provide advice and additional support.’

To help with the registration process, Visit Isle of Man is hosting a free registration drop-in session from 2pm to 7pm on Thursday in the Colannade Suite, Villa Marina, Douglas.

This will be an opportunity for any accommodation businesses to discuss the registration process and/or complete the application with the team.

Administrators will also be present to assist with any registration queries about homestay during the Isle of Man TT, Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix.

Any accommodation businesses with questions surrounding the registration process should contact Visit Isle of Man at [email protected] or 695700.

Any business or individual currently listed on websites such as Airbnb that are not registered with the department should remove their listing and contact Visit Isle of Man to be guided through the registration process and which schemes apply to them.