Hospitality board set up to give industry one voice

Hospitality firms were invited to apply to be part of the board in July

A new board made up of representatives from the hospitality industry has been created to create “one driving voice to promote and develop” the Isle of Man's food, drink and tourism scene.

It follows concerns about pressures on finances and staff recruitment.

Put together by the visit and business agencies of the Department for Enterprise (DfE), the new Hospitality Isle of Man represents firms ranging from takeaways to hotels.

The DfE said the focus of the group would be to “foster collaboration, enhance food and drink tourism, and proactively address the challenges faced by the sector”.

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said the new board would “ensure that the unique challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry are heard and addressed at the highest levels”.

It work would “play a crucial role in supporting the Island’s tourist offering, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting the Isle of Man as a vibrant destination”, he added.

'Pivotal time'

At a meeting in April, businesses raised concerns over increased energy bills and other overhead costs and difficulties with staff recruitment and retention due to wages.

As a short-term aid to help firms make the most out of the TT, bonus payments for staff who worked extra hours were introduced for the fortnight by the Treasury.

At that time, the government pledged to work on ways to offer more support in the longer term.

Newly appointed chairman of the Hospitality Isle of Man board Jamie Lewis, who is managing director at Extra Fancy Ltd, said it was a “pivotal time for our industry” and its formation was a “significant step towards unifying the diverse voices within our sector”.

He said it a collaborative approach was "essential” and the board would "create a strong platform for growth and innovation" with industry-led solutions, he added.