Tourist figures 'should be reviewed'

Doubt over data collection methods

Government figures showing a sudden drop in visitor numbers need to be looked at again, according to an MHK in charge of tourism.

The Cabinet Office's latest Passenger Survey showed almost 26,000 fewer people visited the Island in 2017 - a decline of around 9%.

But Rob Callister believes the way the figures are gathered needs to be reviewed.

Yesterday, the Steam Packet announced pasenger numbers were up on its ferries in 2017.

Mr Callister says, at the Department for Enterprise, signs from industry have been positive: