The island should be attracting half a million visitors per year by 2032, according to the government.

Minister for Enterprise Alex Allinson outlined the government’s aim in the House of Keys last week.

He said: ’The Isle of Man Visit Agency has a very strong policy and strategy going forward, both to rebuild the reduction of numbers caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown of the aviation industry, and the travel industry as a whole, over the last 18 months; but also to grow the visitor economy and meet the aspiration of having 500,000 visitors coming to our island by 2032.’

The strategy by the agency that’s meant to encourage tourism, Visit Isle of Man, aims to ’enhance the island as a special place to live and visit’.

It is currently developing the ’our island, our future’ 2032 visitor economy strategy.

A spokesperson said: ’It’s the culmination of a programme of market research and consultancy studies, which has shown huge potential for growth in the island’s visitor economy.

’The strategy is designed to provide a clear way forward for fully capitalising on these opportunities.

’It is designed to complement the strategies, policies and ambitions of all partner government departments, agencies and bodies, and support the future prosperity of the island’s existing and new visitor economy businesses.

’It is a strategic document that focuses on improving and developing the island’s visitor accommodation, attractions, activities and events offered; raising awareness of the island as a visitor destination and boosting the performance of our visitor economy businesses.’

In 2018, 145,738 people stayed in paid accommodation in the Isle of Man. A further 98,910 stayed with friends and family, there were 59,565 business travellers and 4,051 day trippers.

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