4 December 2017
The Isle of Man set new records for both cruise arrivals and passenger numbers in 2017, and are looking forward to another successful year in 2018. Next year will see another five ships make their inaugural call and passenger arrivals are due to increase by 45% from the new record in 2017.
During 2017, the Island was delighted to welcome two new distilleries and a craft winery to complement our award winning craft breweries already in existence. Our food producers have not been resting either, with an increased range of local products including yoghurt, ice cream and chorizo being added to an already burgeoning list. The Isle of Man is rightly developing a reputation as an artisan food and drinks destination. With more developments due to come in 2018, this is an area we see great potential both for shore excursions and for ‘sail away’ dinners onboard.
As an Island nation, we place great importance on our environment. The Isle of Man was the first entire jurisdiction to be awarded the Unesco Biosphere Reserve Status in the World. We have an expanded range of activity excursions available which take great advantage of our Island’s natural beauty.
We have successfully increased our pool of Blue Badge Guides this year by 80% (including foreign language speaking Guides). In April 2018, we have an additional seven due to qualify and we will continue to develop this pool in line with cruise passenger growth.
Our pool of Cruise Welcome Volunteers, have once again received great feedback from both passengers and cruise lines, and within this invaluable pool, we have foreign language speaking skills, including German.
The Isle of Man may be small in size, but huge in our offering – Heritage Transport, Historical Sites, Fabulous Food & Drink, beautiful scenery and wildlife.
If you would like to know more about the ‘Jewel of the Irish Sea’ or would like to update your shore excursion offering, get in touch with Seonad and the team by email to cruise@gov.im or give us a call on +44 (0)1624 687000.
Nollick Ghennal As Blein Vie Noa (Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year in Manx Gaelic)