10/12/2020
Visit Isle of Man, an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, has announced they are rolling over the visitor accommodation registration fees from the 2020-2021 period to 2021-2022, to support the Island’s accommodation sector following the outbreak of COVID-19.
Providers including hotels, metro hotels, self-catering properties, guest accommodation, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, inns, restaurants with rooms, serviced apartments, campsites (including temporary campsites), glamping sites and hostels are all required to register their business with the Department for Enterprise to ensure they comply with the 1975 Tourist Act for visitor accommodation.
Those businesses currently registered with the Department and wishing to continue operating throughout 2021 must complete the online registration form by the 31 January 2021. The form must be completed as usual however there will be no fee to pay for the upcoming 2021-2022 season.
Rob Callister MHK, Political Member with responsibility for Visit Isle of Man and Motorsport, commented:
‘COVID-19 has triggered an unprecedented crisis throughout the global travel and tourism industry and the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt within the Isle of Man’s tourism industry. Now more than ever we need to support this industry that is integral to the Island’s recovery and underpins the quality of life both visitors and residents can enjoy in the Isle of Man.
‘In support of our accommodation sector, the Visit Isle of Man Agency voted to suspend accommodation registration fees for the 2021-2022 season. Accommodation providers must ensure however that they complete the annual registration if they wish to operate over the period as it is an important way of ensuring essential quality and safety standards are upheld and gives visitors confidence in the quality of accommodation offered here.
‘As we continue to navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, we must ensure our tourism industry is well equipped to welcome visitors when we are able once again. I would encourage any accommodation providers who aren’t sure if they hold the correct registrations to get in touch with the Visit Isle of Man team who will be able to provide advice and additional support.’
Existing registrations expire on 11 February 2021. To renew, please complete the online registration form.
Businesses wishing to register their accommodation property for the first time are required to pay the standard registration fee. More information on the registration process can be found on Visit Isle of Man's website.
Any individuals with questions surrounding the registration process should contact Visit Isle of Man at tourismquality@gov.im or call +44 1624 695700.
Membership and fees for all the ‘Welcome Schemes’ are also being rolled over to 2021-2022 – if you wish to make changes to these, please notify the team by email: tourismquality@gov.im
Any business currently listed on websites such as Airbnb that are not registered with the Department should remove their listing and contact the team to be guided through the legal registration process.