Low take-up of Homestay could be due to 'range of reasons'

Enterprise minister says efforts are underway to boost numbers

Efforts are underway to generate new visitors to the Isle of Man for the Manx Grand Prix to 'fill the capacity' which exists within the accommodation sector.

That's according to the enterprise minister who was quizzed on which stakeholders had been consulted before this year's race schedule was reduced from 14 to nine days.

In the House of Keys today (25 January) Dr Alex Allinson said 'extensive consultation' had taken place with stakeholders from across the tourism industry – including those involved in the accommodation sector.  

He also confirmed that the Homestay scheme – which sees homeowners on the Island open their doors to paying guests – was being relaunched after low take up for both TT and MGP.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse was the MHK searching for answers:

Chris contacted the Manx Radio Mannin Line today to share his experiences of taking part with Homestay – he says whilst he enjoyed it in the past he wouldn't be doing it again: