Businesses are being invited to take part in a new community initiative designed to celebrate the Manx language while boosting footfall across island shops, attractions and hospitality venues.

The free ‘Mannin Aboo!’ Passport Scheme will launch this April as part of the Culture Vannin-led Year of the Manx Language 2026.

Meaning ‘Hurray for the Isle of Man’, the pocket-sized passport aims to encourage people of all ages to use simple Manx words and phrases in everyday settings.

Retailers and hospitality providers are being encouraged to sign up as participating ‘destinations’, where customers can practise their Manx and collect stamps as they explore the island.

An initial 10,000 passports will be printed and distributed through primary schools, popular visitor locations and participating businesses, with further copies planned if demand is high.

The scheme invites individuals and families to visit a range of destinations and use easy phrases such as ‘Moghrey mie’ (Good morning) and ‘Gura mie ayd’ (Thank you).

Each passport includes helpful prompts, along with a QR code linking to an up-to-date list of participating locations.

When customers use Manx at a registered destination, staff will reward them with a sticker stamp.

Once 18 stamps have been collected, completed passports can be returned via freepost to Culture Vannin to be entered into a prize draw taking place at the end of October.

Tiffany Kerruish, year of the Manx language coordinator at Culture Vannin, said the initiative offers a simple and engaging way for businesses to get involved in the year-long celebration.

‘The scheme is completely free for businesses to take part in and, as a registered “Passport Destination”, you will be listed on the supporting webpage, provided with a window sticker and a stock of sticker-stamps to issue when any Manx words are spoken on your premises.

‘Passport holders will be encouraged to seek out your destination and practise their Manx. The scheme is relaxed and fun and offers a new way of interacting with customers.’

Businesses can sign up under one of three categories: ‘Shapp’ (shop), ‘Cultoor’ (culture), or ‘Bee as Jough’ (food and drink).

The initiative is open to any organisation or attraction that engages directly with customers face-to-face.

Mannin Aboo has already attracted early support, with Manx National Heritage sites and Isle of Man Railways ticket offices among the first to register as destinations.

Kerruish added: ‘We can’t wait to build up an exciting list of island destinations for everybody to come and visit with their passports – let’s fill our streets with the sound of Manx.’

Organisers are also appealing for prize donations to help build an attractive reward pot for participants, further encouraging people to complete their passports and take part in the draw.

Blein ny Gaelgey (Year of the Manx Language) is a year-long programme of events and initiatives taking place throughout 2026 in partnership with the Manx language network Jeebin.

Culture Vannin has also acknowledged the support of the Domestic Event Fund and Isle of Man Post Office in bringing the passport scheme to life.

Businesses interested in taking part can register online for free at: https://yearofmanx.im/become-destination/