Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence winner the Mannin has become one of the island’s first hotels to install charging points for electric vehicles.

The Broadway, Douglas, based Mannin also recently signed up to be a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner.

It has fitted three charging units for the use of its guests, in the hotel’s secure parking area.

General manager Rom Kesa said: ‘More and more drivers are recognising the advantages of owning electric vehicles.

‘As a business swift to embrace new technology and dedicated to responding to customer demand, the Mannin Hotel was keen to provide this new facility so our guests can charge their vehicles on site at their convenience and continue safely on their journey.

‘Installing these three charging points is not just about delivering outstanding customer service and choice, though.

‘We take our UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner status very seriously and are committed to do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint and protect this very special island.’

Mr Kesa has been at the helm since the hotel opened in April, 2016.

He said it was important for places such as hotels to ‘think outside the box.’

Mr Kesa, who is originally from Estonia but has been living and working in the island for the last 14 years, is also chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s visitor economy committee.

He said: ‘The world is going electric and over the coming years we will be seeing more and more electric vehicles on the roads.’

He said he is not aware of any other hotels in the island that have charging points for their guests’ vehicles.

The Mannin scooped the New Business/Innovation award in the last Awards for Excellence.

Mr Kesa said this ‘underlines the Mannin Hotel’s winning business strategy.’

Thirty six people work at the Mannin and Mr Kesa said the hotel is full and buzzing for the TT.

Public vehicle charging points are available at a number of places across the island.