Visit Isle of Man to attend World Travel Market London 2022

Visit Isle of Man is looking forward to exhibiting at World Travel Market London 2022 along with its partners Isle of Man Transport (Heritage Railways and bus Vannin) and Manx National Heritage. We will be attending as part of the UKinbound stand (UKI200 pod 56).

Attendance follows the recently approved Visitor Economy Strategy 2022 – 2032 ‘Our Island, Our Future’ which lays out ambitious growth targets for achieving 500,000 visitors per annum by 2032. A key focus of the strategy is building partnerships with the Travel Trade, recognising the role this will play in achieving our growth plans.

We are looking forward to meeting new and existing operators and wholesalers to discuss our plans, and how the Isle of Man can offer clients the perfect short break or holiday.  The Island was the first entire nation in the world to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This accolade is a proud testament to the richness and scope of the Island’s awe-inspiring nature, its ancient and compelling history, and the vibrancy of its culture. With strong ferry connections and flight options across the UK and Ireland – the Isle of Man is well positioned to offer your clients a welcome escape, close to home.

The team will be updating travel trade partners on new product ideas, particularly those taking in our outstanding natural environment , as well as plans for quality development and accommodation transformation.

Please contact us if you would like to arrange a meeting at traveltrade@gov.im or visit our exhibitor profile here.

Heritage Railways are custodians and operators of four historic railways; Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Isle of Man Steam Railway and the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway. The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway recommenced service in July 2022 following a break in 2019 for the refurbishment of the Douglas promenade for the benefit of residents and visitors. The railway network runs along the east coast of the Island, connecting key destinations, attractions and coastal walking routes.

2022 has seen passenger numbers returning to pre-Covid levels with their timetabled journeys now extended through weekends in November to provide a greater opportunity for visitors to explore the Island and its unique attractions for longer. They also host two Transport Festivals, popular Pullman style dining car experiences and Pie in the Sky stargazing at the Snaefell Summit Restaurant. In the summer they introduced the MER Fynoderee Line – a partnership with the new Fynoderee Distillery and Bar in Ramsey.

In 2023 they are celebrating the two remarkable milestones with 150 years of the Isle of Man Steam Railways and 130 years of the Manx Electric Railway and planning the biggest Summer Transport Festival from 23rd July to Sunday 30^th July to mark the anniversaries.

Heritage Railways is operated by Isle of Man Transport who also oversee bus Vannin – the network of public bus services across the whole Island getting visitors to all corners of the Isle of Man throughout the year. They can assist with group ground handling operations and also trade rates on multiple journey Go Explore and Go Explore Heritage cards for rail and buses.

Manx National Heritage portray the 10,000 year history of the Island through ancient monuments, historic castles and buildings – a firm favourite for visitors and group markets.  They will be hosting a new major exhibition, MUSEUM 100 in the Manx Museum National Art Gallery from 21 October 2022 – October 2023.  The exhibition celebrates the centenary of Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts and archives that help tell the story of the Isle of Man and its people.  The exhibition will be a colourful kaleidoscope of treasures from our stored collections, many of which will be on public display for the first time.

Underway for 2023 is the new Isle of Man TT gallery at the Manx Museum.  The new permanent gallery will tell the story of the Isle of Man TT from its inception in 1907 to the present day showcasing the tantalising taste of the TT atmosphere all year round through the real-life stories of everyone involved – riders, families, mechanics, marshals and fans.

The Laxey Wheel has undergone significant conservation works during 2022 to keep her turning and preserved for future generations. They are extending their opening throughout November 2022 in unison with the Heritage Railway season extension to support the provision of a greater offering for visitors year round.

Travel to the Island will be even easier from summer 2023 as the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company introduce a new custom-built passenger vessel into its fleet. Manxman has a state of the art hybrid engine making travel greener than ever. Once introduced she replaces the Ben-my-Chree on the Heysham to Isle of Man route with enhanced passenger facilities, including an increased number of cabins, and 50% more passenger capacity.

The full timetable of 2023 sailings are set to go on sale from the beginning of November, with daily services from Heysham to the Isle of Man on Ben-my-Chree/Manxman and seasonal services on the high-speed craft Manannan from Liverpool, Belfast & Dublin – sailings will be available to book here.

To fly to the Isle of Man check with individual flight operators for timetables, fares, and bookings or contact the Isle of Man Airport with any enquiries via www.airport.im or telephone +44 (0)1624 821600. View flights.