Isle of Man Newspapers - the publisher of the Isle of Man Examiner, the Manx Independent, the Isle of Man Courier and iomtoday.co.im - is supporting a campaign to help the Manx economy bounce back after the end of lockdown.

While we might not be able to easily leave the island for holidays, we can do a lot in the Isle of Man ourselves.

It is a chance to find out more about our wonderful homeland. But it’s more than that.

By spending locally, we help people to stay in work. That could be good news for your neighbours and ensure that businesses can survive.

Free in tomorrow’s Manx Independent, there is a special 56-page What’s On magazine, which highlights a lot of the attractions on offer in our island.

It’s designed to give you information about what’s on our doorsteps.

Our campaign is backed by the government.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ’While summer holidays abroad continue to look uncertain, we would like to encourage islanders to seek adventure and discovery closer to home and make use of the abundance of activities, eateries and accommodation options available right on our doorstep.

’The tourism industry was one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and for many the 2020 season has been massively impacted which could have devastating long term effects.

’Our vibrant and diverse range of tourism businesses benefit not only our visitors, but also our Manx residents who are also able to enjoy the exciting mix of attractions, dining experiences and accommodation options which underpin the visitor proposition.

’We’re very fortunate to live in the only entire Nation in the world to be recognised as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve - somewhere which hundreds of thousands of visitors come to visit annually to experience our enviable landscapes, rich heritage and culture and welcoming atmosphere.

’I urge our residents to take a look at the variety of offers and opportunities available over the coming months and try something new or stay somewhere they may not have considered before. It’s a great excuse to get out and enjoy our extraordinary island.

’We must also not forget businesses within the domestic economy who too have suffered as a result of the pandemic but have supported us throughout the restrictions and provided much needed lifelines to many.

’We are lucky that we have such a close community, entrepreneurs of the highest quality, small business owners offering some of the best local produce and a host of diverse retailers all providing for our residents.

’Local enterprises will need our custom in the weeks and months ahead if they are to be sustainable in the long term. This is not just an issue we are facing as an island but one that is being felt around the world, economies are struggling and we are not immune from that.’

The What’s On magazine is also available to read for free right now as a digital edition on this website.

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