IoM TT Accommodations
The launch of a "Home Stay" program, which helps provide accommodation for motorcycle-racing fans visiting the Isle of Man TT, has been launched.
With 2011 not only marking the 100th anniversary of the TT Mountain Course, the Isle of Man Government is also expecting significant demand for the Manx Grand Prix and the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Isle of Man Tourism registered 670 IoM homes (properties) for the TT and MGP periods in 2010, and this year they are appealing to more households to provide additional accommodation for visitors to include September’s Commonwealth Youth Games.
All Isle of Man residents wishing to register for the program is urged to do so early as a cut off date will be announced in due course.
The Centenary of the Mountain Course TT runs from May 30 to June 10, while the MGP is from Aug. 8 to Sept. 3 and the Commonwealth Youth Games from Sept. 7 to 13.
Geoff Corkish, Isle of Man Tourism political member, says: "The Homestay scheme is hugely popular with our visitors seeking accommodation at peak times when demand outstrips our hotel and guest accommodation availability. It is a great way for Manx residents to make guests feel at home away from home. This way they will have the opportunity to learn more about the culture of our Island and share our way of life."
"Our Island is busy gearing up for the TT, Manx Grand Prix Festival and uniquely the Commonwealth Youth Games and it is most important that this greater demand for accommodation is met. Last year we had a last minute rush of people seeking to register their properties for Homestay and some applied during Practice Week and TT which was too late."
"We are keen for this not too happen again this year and I would urge anyone who would like to join the Homestay scheme to contact Isle of Man Tourism soon."
Mr. Corkish says: "We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world. By offering Homestay you could give them a genuine warm Manx welcome and hopefully make lifetime friendships."
Isle of Man Tourism has stressed that people accommodating paying guests in their homes have to be inspected by their officers before being accepted onto the program.
It is an offense under the Tourist Act 1975 if residents do not register their home if they are accommodating paying guests.
