Recession Could Prove Hit Or Miss For Iom Tourism

[Sebrof]

In my view the best thing the govt can do for tourists is to ensure that the poor blighters can get here without raising a mortgage. Whether that means nationalising the ferry I don't know, but if they don't tackle the fare problem, there's no chance.

 

And the sooner they replace the Lady with a boat that doesn't turn tail at the first sign of a few white caps, the better. The catamarans aren't up to the job and are very expensive to run.

 

S

[Jimcalagon]

In my view the best thing the govt can do for tourists is to ensure that the poor blighters can get here without raising a mortgage. Whether that means nationalising the ferry I don't know, but if they don't tackle the fare problem, there's no chance.

 

 

But once they're here, where are they going to stay? Will the DOTL introduce a year round homestay scheme?

[slinkydevil]

Nothing is going to happen when you have idiots like Martin Quayle at the helm. Just to go over some of the press release:

 

"he heralded the success of a £1.1 million TV advertising campaign."

In what way is it a success? People like it, it looks nice? Sucess is a ROI and we don't have any figures yet.

 

"A survey of the three different adverts found that one in five respondents indicated they would choose to visit the Isle of Man above any of the other islands surrounding the British Isles after seeing the advertising."

1 in 5 is not a good statistic.

 

"Some 85 per cent said they liked the advert showing the Anderson family the best. "

Ask a group of people which they like best and you get a meaningless result.

 

"The campaign saw a significant increase in the number of people who rated the Island good for family holidays (up from 52 per cent to 75 per cent) and 'good for activity' holidays (up from 41 per cent to 82 per cent)."

Were these people who actually visited the Island or just a survey group from the adverts. Turn this into a significant increase in visitors for family holiday and visitors for activity holidays and that is a step forward to success not just some sort of rating.

 

"Mr Quayle said: 'I am very encouraged by the success of the television advertising campaign"

Again why because the adverts look pretty? Or because your UK production agency said so?

 

I noticed the Welsh Tourist board has just released its TV campaign on a similar theme. (http://www.unpackaged.visitwales.co.uk/) Well guess what Martin they offer similar, if not more activities, that are more accessible to people. Saving say £200 (boat ticket for car and family of 4 and I'm being generous) towards your spending money for UK holiday with more choice of things to do. I know what's going to win when parents are looking to get more for their money during a recession.

 

I don't have the answers. I'm pretty sure we can't be competitive. But for fuck sake stop patting yourselves on your back, stand up and be just a bit responsible. Get some forward thinking people in, invest, have open public discussions, listen to your electorate and their ideas, and just admit its all a bit hard. I'd have more respect if you just had a bit of bloody backbone and admit that nothing is possible if that's the case.

 

 

 

 

As an aside I see someones done a parody on one of the IOM ads here:

[keyboarder]

I wonder what the tourist trade actually means to the most vociferous critics of the DTL. What exactly do you bring to the table so to speak, and do you rely on tourism to make your living, and if so what exactly do you do to attract people to come to the island? In other words, how do the DTL let you down personally? A gregarious nature and a willingness to service available members of the opposite sex doesn't count as an effort by the way. I don't believe the tourism budget is responsible for on island activities, but more to raise awareness of the island as a place worth visiting to a broader audience.

[jehovah]

Brilliant advert, classic stuff.

 

I looked in all the weekend papers last weekend, not one ad for IOM ltd. WTF are we paying DTL for?

[manxy]

IOM Today story

 

[Martin Quayle] said that the economic downturn meant that people would be less willing to go on short breaks in addition to their main holiday.

 

But he added: 'Being in a Sterling area could represent great opportunities.

 

'People will not want to travel outside Britain and it will make the Isle of Man more attractive for continental visitors.'

 

 

Translation - "We haven't got a f**king clue what will happen."

I sincerely believe that we do have more places to visit than other places with similar population, but then again, I can only go off what I know. If there is places better, then I'd like to know about them as also 'probably' those MHk's who actually bother about the place instead of their pay packet. (There's probably not many, but Hey, I give everyone a chance)

I think I know what the answer already is, but I'd like to open the debate as to what 'YOU THINK' is the best way to promote the island, including 'THINGS' which will attract people over here.

 

(ps, you can write what you like as I'm fed up of emailing MHK wannabee's as to whats missing from different parts of the island and if it hits their heart strings, GOSH, so be it) Luv u all and I'm onto the sherry next. lol

[slinkydevil]

I wonder what the tourist trade actually means to the most vociferous critics of the DTL. What exactly do you bring to the table so to speak, and do you rely on tourism to make your living, and if so what exactly do you do to attract people to come to the island? In other words, how do the DTL let you down personally? A gregarious nature and a willingness to service available members of the opposite sex doesn't count as an effort by the way. I don't believe the tourism budget is responsible for on island activities, but more to raise awareness of the island as a place worth visiting to a broader audience.

 

A really good point. I've already said I don't have the answers as IMO we don't have a viable Tourist industry, with the competition of other nearby areas. Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Lake District etc.

 

In my own interest, an extreme sport that I do in my spare time, I have had a couple of the leading National magazines over here to stay with me and we had some great positive articles written about the Island saying it was the perfect location, and great place, the only negative feedback being cost of getting here. That's all I've done to get people here.

 

However I don't make any money from tourism and my job doesn't depend on it. The above is just a weekend hobby.

 

I liked the adverts that the DTL produced and agree that it is their job to raise awareness of the Island, which they have done. However it's the spin and self congratulatory press releases that get my goat. Throw a lot of money at it and we could all make people aware that we are here. Getting them here and leaving with a good impression is another matter so it does come down to facilities, whether privatley or goverment run. Unfortunatley we tag the DTL with the 'Leisure' bit so it comes under their remit on the provision of some leisure services.

 

TAKEN FROM THE DTL's STRATEGY - Probably a bit out of date but you get the idea...

 

4.3 Attractions

The Isle of Man has a range of natural as well as purpose built attractions. The majority of attractions are based on the Island’s history, heritage and culture ranging from castles and museums to purpose built heritage attractions and unique transport systems. The majority of these attractions are operated either by Manx National Heritage or the Department of Tourism & Leisure. New attractions such as the House of Manannan and the National Sports Centre now offer a wide range of all year round, all weather facilities which provides for a number of new opportunities that can be exploited by the tourism industry. Other all year round, all weather facilities include theatres, leisure centres, swimming pools, arcades and a casino.

 

Unlike many other competitive resort areas in the British Isles, investment in new facilities has been relatively modest due to the Island’s low local catchment which makes it difficult to support facilities out of the main season.

 

Most privately owned attractions tend to be of a small scale, and with few exceptions, are only open for the traditional summer period.

 

All that said I think whatever they do will be succeptable to failiure because of our size and location - just shouting "Look we're here and we look nice and pretty" won't solve the problem. Perhaps it can't be solved and there is no longer any need for a department of tourism at all.

[manxy]

I wonder what the tourist trade actually means to the most vociferous critics of the DTL. What exactly do you bring to the table so to speak, and do you rely on tourism to make your living, and if so what exactly do you do to attract people to come to the island? In other words, how do the DTL let you down personally? A gregarious nature and a willingness to service available members of the opposite sex doesn't count as an effort by the way. I don't believe the tourism budget is responsible for on island activities, but more to raise awareness of the island as a place worth visiting to a broader audience.

 

A really good point. I've already said I don't have the answers as IMO we don't have a viable Tourist industry, with the competition of other nearby areas. Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Lake District etc.

 

In my own interest, an extreme sport that I do in my spare time, I have had a couple of the leading National magazines over here to stay with me and we had some great positive articles written about the Island saying it was the perfect location, and great place, the only negative feedback being cost of getting here. That's all I've done to get people here.

 

However I don't make any money from tourism and my job doesn't depend on it. The above is just a weekend hobby.

 

I liked the adverts that the DTL produced and agree that it is their job to raise awareness of the Island, which they have done. However it's the spin and self congratulatory press releases that get my goat. Throw a lot of money at it and we could all make people aware that we are here. Getting them here and leaving with a good impression is another matter so it does come down to facilities, whether privatley or goverment run. Unfortunatley we tag the DTL with the 'Leisure' bit so it comes under their remit on the provision of some leisure services.

 

TAKEN FROM THE DTL's STRATEGY - Probably a bit out of date but you get the idea...

 

4.3 Attractions

The Isle of Man has a range of natural as well as purpose built attractions. The majority of attractions are based on the Island’s history, heritage and culture ranging from castles and museums to purpose built heritage attractions and unique transport systems. The majority of these attractions are operated either by Manx National Heritage or the Department of Tourism & Leisure. New attractions such as the House of Manannan and the National Sports Centre now offer a wide range of all year round, all weather facilities which provides for a number of new opportunities that can be exploited by the tourism industry. Other all year round, all weather facilities include theatres, leisure centres, swimming pools, arcades and a casino.

 

Unlike many other competitive resort areas in the British Isles, investment in new facilities has been relatively modest due to the Island’s low local catchment which makes it difficult to support facilities out of the main season.

 

Most privately owned attractions tend to be of a small scale, and with few exceptions, are only open for the traditional summer period.

 

All that said I think whatever they do will be succeptable to failiure because of our size and location - just shouting "Look we're here and we look nice and pretty" won't solve the problem. Perhaps it can't be solved and there is no longer any need for a department of tourism at all.

good point, well said

[Sebrof]

I sincerely believe that we do have more places to visit than other places with similar population, but then again, I can only go off what I know. If there is places better, then I'd like to know about them

 

You may be right, Manxy, but people don't generally choose a place to visit on the basis of number of attractions per head of population.

 

I was in North Wales at the weekend, and within an hour's drive there was immeasurably more to see and do than there is here. The island is a great place to live primarily because people are so pleasant and there is little crime, not because it is particularly beautiful or packed with activities. It is a delusion to think that it offers much to the tourist (certainly not compared with many places across).

 

S

[Max Power]

I find it difficult to accept that on this Island with it's supposed economic genius, someone has not been commissioned to look hard at the true costs of running the airlines and shipping networks to come up with a fair charge to customers? After all, they operate our lifeline and should be made to understand that. If' they won't accept it maybe it's time for a nationalised carrier?

 

If this was done then we would know for sure if we had a worthwhile proposition or not. We could then either leave tourism to die as it seems we have done, or attempt a revival based on the fact that it can be economicaly viable for the punter to get here in the first place?

[manshimajin]

I wonder what the tourist trade actually means to the most vociferous critics of the DTL. What exactly do you bring to the table so to speak, and do you rely on tourism to make your living, and if so what exactly do you do to attract people to come to the island? In other words, how do the DTL let you down personally? A gregarious nature and a willingness to service available members of the opposite sex doesn't count as an effort by the way. I don't believe the tourism budget is responsible for on island activities, but more to raise awareness of the island as a place worth visiting to a broader audience.

Keyboarder I am not involved in the Manx tourism sector (though I have a directorship in an Irish inbound tourism business). My concern is that the DTL and the Government have let tourism slide and do not seem to realise what a major employer and money generator it can be. I have made a number of what I hope are constructive comments on various tourism related threads and I have contacted the DTL about a number of ways they could do things to improve the tourism revenue on the Island. The response is not encouraging. My personal well being does not depend on Manx tourism but that is no reason not to be concerned.

 

I also have major doubts (again expressed here and to the DTL) about the advertising campaign. It is not well customer targeted (actually who are we trying to attract with the adverts?) and doesn't engage the 'tourist client' - see the Australian Tourist Board's advertising focus to get an idea of how to do this whist still promoting the great lifestyle. And this is not a case of big budgets but of how money is used.

 

Saying 'we people who live on the IOM have a nice life' does not say to the folk we need here in the Summer 'I can picture why I would really like to go to the IOM for a holiday with my family'. It sounds like there may be as many or more people who would prefer to go the Isle of Wight as would like to come here. 1 in 5 is not a great score.

 

What I see, and why I am concerned, is that Manx tourism is an industry in gradual decline at a time when, given the economic situation here and in our target markets, it should be one of the key planks to avoid recession. And, yes of course, people who operate in the sector have a huge contribution to make to its success but they need some encouragement, leadership, motivation and pushing!

 

A Minister who is responsible for this vital sector who says I don't know whether it will be good or bad needs a rocket up his rear! He is being paid to make it successful!

[manxy]

I find it difficult to accept that on this Island with it's supposed economic genius, someone has not been commissioned to look hard at the true costs of running the airlines and shipping networks to come up with a fair charge to customers? After all, they operate our lifeline and should be made to understand that. If' they won't accept it maybe it's time for a nationalised carrier?

 

If this was done then we would know for sure if we had a worthwhile proposition or not. We could then either leave tourism to die as it seems we have done, or attempt a revival based on the fact that it can be economicaly viable for the punter to get here in the first place?

If only Max, if only.........

I'd imagine that certain quarters quite like monopolies, but back to my wish list again....if only....

[Sebrof]

I find it difficult to accept that on this Island with it's supposed economic genius, someone has not been commissioned to look hard at the true costs of running the airlines and shipping networks to come up with a fair charge to customers? After all, they operate our lifeline and should be made to understand that. If' they won't accept it maybe it's time for a nationalised carrier?

 

If this was done then we would know for sure if we had a worthwhile proposition or not. We could then either leave tourism to die as it seems we have done, or attempt a revival based on the fact that it can be economicaly viable for the punter to get here in the first place?

 

I'd put a penny on income tax and nationalise the Racket. Then subsidise fares massively - freight and passenger. That should make it easier for local shops to compete, and make it much cheaper for visitors to visit. And for locals to go and see somewhere else for a change - I've met people who've never been off the island, which is surprising in this day and age.

 

If the transport were cheaper, I suspect that visits by friends and relations from across would increase significantly.

 

S

[Freggyragh]

The Japanese yen is stronger against the pound now than ever. The Japanese love motorbikes, seafood, golf etc and would probably be quite happy to escape their hot summers. I don't suppose the DTL have any ads running in Japanese bike magazines though - that'd be too much bother.

[Albert Tatlock]

The Japanese yen is stronger against the pound now than ever. The Japanese love motorbikes, seafood, golf etc and would probably be quite happy to escape their hot summers. I don't suppose the DTL have any ads running in Japanese bike magazines though - that'd be too much bother.

Nail on head