'Give tourism strategy a chance' - MHK

Callister defends Enterprise strategy

An MHK tasked with overseeing government's tourism strategy insists his department is up to the job.

Rob Callister was defending the Department for Enterprise after a reported 8.9% decrease in visitors to the Island last year.

The figures prompted calls for the minister, Laurence Skelly, to step down.

Having rebranded from the former Department of Economic Development last year, Enterprise operates on a so-called 'agency' basis with input from the private sector.

Just under half a million pounds is spent per year on promoting the Island.

Mr Callister says part of the new approach will be working more closely with the tourism industry:

Picture credit: Manx National Heritage