14 January, 2026
Visit Isle of Man has completed a successful three-day showcase at the Holiday World Show in Belfast, attending in partnership with Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to promote the Island and the new Larne-Isle of Man sailing route.
With over 2,000 visitors attending the event, the show provided a valuable opportunity for both organisations to engage face-to-face with prospective travellers, travel trade partners, local media, and tourism businesses from across Northern Ireland and the wider Irish market.
The joint Visit Isle of Man and Isle of Man Steam Packet Company stand remained lively throughout the three days, with the team engaging in conversations with a large number of visitors interested in the new route and the travel opportunities it brings with it. In addition to the strong interest in the new route, visitors were also highly engaged in the Steam Packet’s offers, including the ‘Kids Sail Free’ initiative, and the recently introduced strategic pricing reset.
Adding further excitement to the stand was eleven-time TT winner and motorsport legend, Phillip McCallen, who attended the show with one of his race-winning bikes. A true ambassador for the Isle of Man, Phillip drew crowds and engaged in conversations about the Isle of Man’s racing heritage, and the growing ease of travel between the Island and Northern Ireland.
The new Larne-Isle of Man service will begin operating in April with a series of limited sailings, ahead of an enhanced schedule launching in July, which will see three sailings per week all year round. Combined with the seasonal Dublin schedule, this means that in peak season the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will operate up to five sailings per week to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This expanded connectivity not only strengthens the Island’s transport links but also directly supports Visit Isle of Man’s ten-year visitor economy strategy, ‘Our Island, Our Future’, by deepening relationships with the Irish market and helping drive momentum towards the Agency’s ambition of achieving 500,000 visitors a year by 2032.
Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, commented:
‘We were delighted to join our colleagues from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company at the Holiday World Show in Belfast this year. The response to the new Larne route has been incredibly positive, and it was a great opportunity for the team to speak directly with visitors who are eager to visit or return to the Island. Strengthening transport connections with the Irish market is a key part of our strategy, and collaborating at events like this allows us to showcase the Island’s unique appeal, which is only a ferry ride away.’
Brian Thomson, Managing Director of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, added:
‘The Belfast show has given us a great platform to share details of our new sailing schedule and speak openly with potential customers about the improved links to and from Northern Ireland. Working alongside Visit Isle of Man meant we could jointly champion the route and highlight the many reasons to travel to the Island in 2026 and beyond.’
Visit Isle of Man and Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will continue their promotional efforts of the new Irish sailing schedule by attending the Holiday World Show in Dublin from 23rd – 25th January, further expanding their reach across the Irish market.
