Restaurateurs and accommodation providers have been recognised for their quality standards at the 2017 Tourism Accolades Awards.

The awards celebrate the quality of the island’s hospitality industry with categories including the Taste Highest Quality Assured, Taste Quality Assured, Harvest Scheme, Gold, Silver, and Breakfast Accolades.

Rob Callister MHK, the politician member with responsibility for tourism, presented the awards.

He said: ’Tourism benefits our island enormously. High quality standards play a large role in the Department of Economic Development’s destination management plan, ensuring guests receive a memorable visitor experience. I am delighted to see such a strong volume of award winners at this year’s event.

partnership

’The increase in awards presented demonstrates how important both industry and the department take the quality of service on the Isle of Man.’

Eighteen establishments were awarded the ’Harvest’ accreditation.

This accolade is run in partnership with the DEFA and recognises both accommodation providers and Taste members for their use of locally sourced produce.

The Taste Quality Assured accolade was presented to 32 eateries, an increase of seven from 2016, while the Taste Highest Quality Assured accolade was awarded to nine new establishments, bringing this total to 33.

Accommodation providers were also recognised for their standards at the event, with 16 accommodation providers receiving gold accolades, and five accommodation providers receiving Silver accolades.

Three new establishments were also presented the Breakfast Award at the event, while 27 establishments retained the accolade from 2016.

Overall, four establishments increased their star ratings from 2016.

Head of tourism Angela Byrne said: ’The Tourism Accolades Awards are a great opportunity for the department to showcase the level of quality that the industry is providing visiting tourists.

’We are very proud of the fantastic level of quality and use of local produce that these awards represent, which are immensely important to tourists looking to visit the island.

’All of these establishments have met or exceeded the criteria that the standards set out, reassuring guests when they book their stay.’

â?¢ For more information about the Taste scheme visit: https://www.visitisleofman.com/food-and-drink/taste-quality-assured

Hospitality businesses interested in joining the schemes available should email [email protected]