The cost of registering for Homestay is to double - after it was announced a new operator is taking over.

Local firm MiQuando Limited has been appointed by the government following a full tender process.

It takes over from Regency Travel who had been responsible for Homestay for four years and which has now closed.

MiQuando will be responsible for carrying out property inspections, providing advice on fire safety requirements, marketing, online booking for visitors and assisting hosts with their property website profile.

Homestay registration is compulsory for any private household looking to take in paying visitors during the TT and Festival of Motorcycling.

MiQuando will move from the existing three-year assessment to a two-year assessment within the new regime to ensure visitors are offered quality accommodation.

With the introduction of the new services, registration fees have been set by MiQuando with a new one-year registration and quality inspection costing £50, up from the £25 that was charged by Regency.

Hosts registering for two years can do so for £75, equating to £37.50 per year.

Homestay hosts with valid registrations for 2018 and 2019 will be not be affected by the changes in fees until their renewals are due.

Rob Callister MHK, political member at the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for tourism, said a principle of the tender was that service provider would fully recover the costs of administration from those who register and provide the service.

He said: ’We are pleased to announce MiQuando as the successor of the Homestay Scheme. The scheme is important to the island’s visitor economy in order to help accommodate the large number of visitors that stay during the island’s busiest periods.

’We recognise the fees have increased.

’However, this ensures the scheme pays for itself through income from those who use it and benefit, without any support from the taxpayer.

’This is a carefully considered increase that MiQuando has implemented based on their enhanced services and commitment to a quality visitor experience.’

Nigel Jones, MiQuando director, said: ’We are delighted to have been awarded this contract.

’We believe the new registration fees offer great value in respect of the services MiQuando will deliver.’

He said a new website will show all the approved government-registered Homestay accommodation available for the TT and Festival of Motorcycling.

This will be followed by the creation of a new interactive online facility to make the booking process easier and quicker for visitors and host.

During the TT period Homestay hosts can earn up to £1,800 of tax free income.