We’ve had a busy year taking visitors around the course. We can include a visit to the Isle of Man Motor Museum too. It really is a lot of fun.
Take a look at this YouTube video to learn more.
FUTURE OF CYCLING TOURISM – IOM STYLE
Cycling is like ‘marmite’ to many of us, there is no escape from the fact that it’s invigorating and often described as the ‘new golf’ for those in their 30’s. The Island has toyed with the idea of becoming a cycling destination for many years. The challenge is making the Isle of Man match the appeal of venues in the UK. Wales, Scotland and the Lake District. Those jurisdictions have invested heavily into country cycle ways and mountain bike parks. The Island has chosen not to do this properly and instead, allowed volunteers to create amateur trails around the forests. The Government blockage on this front has to be cleared, there has to be an appetite for some serious creativity here as we have a ‘God Given’ Isle for a cycling offering.
To begin with, the holidaying cyclist loves a challenge. It’s in a rider’s DNA.
We have it here on a plate. A challenging 105 mile coastal route with electronic check-ins will bring the bikers over in big numbers. Make a £25 charge per cyclist to use purpose built tracks that can be shared with walkers easily. Completion earns a certificate and a treasurable memento. All fully integrated with an online platform which displays great stories, adventures and imagery with the rest of the World.
The attraction of a dramatic cliff top ride interlinked with castles, the Great Laxey Wheel, attractive harbours, coves and beaches. It could be one of the most irresistible rides in the World of cycle tourism.
The cost incurred for creating a cycle way wouldn’t be that great. We have the natural resources in abundance. A truly bold move by our political masters to integrate the trail building with parole and probation offices. Ex prisoners being constructive will put the Island on the map, allaying the farce of a TV ‘Mockumentry’ that ridiculed our attitude to justice. I’d like to see our ‘reformed’ trail builders rewarded appropriately and supplied with a free bike for good work!
We’ve suffered years of excuses for not engaging with those trapped in the ‘offending cycle’ in this way. I can’t see many trapped in the justice process turning down a chance of being involved if conditions were right. This would be a wonderful news item for a restorative program.
The Coastal Cycle Route may take 3 or 4 days to complete. Admittedly, clever use of our buses and trains to cater for cyclists will have to be facilitated. Bus companies around Europe manage to accommodate bikes, our Manx transport service needs to modernise in attitude. The idea of having log cabins themed in the style of a Tholtan interspersed along the route is an exciting though. It really couldn’t be that difficult to do and add a new dimension to the Isle of Man adventure. Technology would be able to protect and manage such sites. Charging points for electric bikes wouldn’t be asking too much.
Our ‘ACE CARD’ is the Snaefell Mountain Railway. Creation of cycles routes from the summit stretching in different directions across the Island will offer our visitors a unique experience. The trails will be graded like ski runs in difficulty. A tram ride up the Mountain, refreshments at the cafe followed by a choice of rides. Take a moment to dwell on the endless possibilities and muse on what a message it would send. The UK winter ski market is well over 1.5m holiday makers. Design this right and we could capture 2% of that market for a summer adventure.
Rob Arnold is an accomplished mountain bike ‘expert’ on the Isle of Man. A former rider guide for treking in the French Alps, he has a great understanding of the tourism potential here on the Rock.
‘I really like the ‘seven kingdoms’ idea, the peak of Snaefell being a starting point for hundreds of KMs of trails. If done right, a series of meandering trails off the summit would be superb. They’d have to be sympathetic to the environment and not leave a huge spoil down the side of the hill, but it would certainly be doable. There’s trail builders who the forestry commission have used and many a private company who have created the likes of bike park wales etc over the years’
Rob certainly knows what he is talking about as his undergraduate dissertation was on the subject of sports tourism and the economic benefits that sports bring to the Island.
River runs also appeal greatly, cyclists love riding adjacent to open water. Every possible reservoir and river could house a bike path where appropriate. The Sulby Valley, Silverburn and around the Capital would entice the cyclist and reduce time on busy roads.
Our approach to creating cycleways could be classed as one farce followed by another. Appointment of an enthusiastic politician to supervise this simple concept of keeping safe, getting healthy and making cycling more fun isn’t rocket science. Our Manx Government has demonstrated an antagonistic resistance to cycling for many years. It’s quite bewildering.
The centre of activities housed in South Barrule are a natural draw for the off road cycling fraternity. The vision of Carl Underwood and others, is a big part of the success in this plantation. The combination of multiple activities for all age ranges makes it a centre for tourism. Perhaps one day, a chalet village will be created as it seems a natural fit for the landscape. This appears to be blindingly obvious and should happen.
The Island has a lively cycling heritage and many proponents. For the life of me, I find it difficult to understand why our Government hasn’t engaged further with Mark Cavendish? One of the World’s most famous riders and Manx through and through. The multi race sprinter and bike icon has a following of millions around the World. I’m a big fan of Mark and without being too honest, he has an edge over the likes of Froome, Wiggins and others for appeal.
How difficult would it be to name a cycle network after the guy? It would seem reasonable that Mark would be open to such a concept. he’s acted as a valued ambassador for the Island for many years. He has Manx passion running through his veins.
We have the cycling option ready to go up to a Gold standard. In view of the challenges ahead for generating income for our Island, we can use the ‘lost year of 2020’ as time to pull together this opportunity. A strong message of the Isle of Man resilience and ability to survive in the tourism market. In addition to that, the health of our residents will improve with more activity and less reliance on vehicles.
In the first 4 months of sales on the Isle of Man, Cycle shops are reporting record numbers and there has never been as much road use for bikes. The E bike has introduced a new market to the art of cycling. This is growing at rates where the Government are duty bound to act and improve the active travel offering for all.
Transport Service – From South to Douglas
***DAILY BUS USER?***
Have the latest Southern timetable changes made it difficult for you to get to Douglas in time for work?
We have 2 mini buses heading Daily into Douglas for 7:45am arrival in Douglas and 7:55am at IOM Business Park.
Both buses can provide a return service at 5:10pm
Great if you are based in the South.
If you would like to pre book a seat into Douglas, please contact the Powerwheels contact page.
Cruise Ship Booking
If you’re visiting the Isle of Man by Cruise Ship in 2020. Book your tour via this page HERE
Luxury 7 seat Mercedes and 12 or 16 seat vehicles are available.
Prices start at £390 for the vehicle for the day.
Tourism Talk
Tourism on the Isle of Man is heading into 2020 and beyond holding a mixed bag of Brexit influences and opportunities. Surely the uncertainty of ‘Destination Boris’ and the shaky European holiday market can deliver positive outcomes in the Manx economy? Any UK resident thinking of travelling into Europe for a break next year will have doubts about border controls, healthcare, phone tariffs and a sinking pound. Surprising as it may seem, the continental heat that matches the ovens at Noa Bakehouse may be too much for many. It’s time for the Isle of Man to provide a breath of fresh and hopefully not too damp air next year.
Now is the time to get smart and make sure our approach for attracting visitors is right. Our independence mantra dictates that whatever happens, we shall always stand tall and this is possibly our best opportunity in the tourism market since the steam ships first set sail from Liverpool over a century ago.
Our product here on the Island is very special, the countryside and scenery is up there with the best in the British Isles. Our Government policies must seek to preserve and enhance care and clever brownfield management. Cultivating a visitor market that enjoys beautiful footpaths, safe cycleways and open spaces will reap rewards. A bold and exciting use of our Biosphere status must be handled tactfully and the quality of our actions and messages must be of platinum value.
Our holiday market has developed well in recent years, as a tour operator I’ve handled thousands of guests and can claim to be more than ‘well acquainted’ with the ‘visitor attraction coalface’ here on the Island. Sometimes I do wonder about perception of fragmented offerings and the impact they have on the visitors. In many ways, the unfinished, unpredictable quirkiness does give an appeal to many. Places closed at peak times, crazy building works, delays on projects and lack of signage raises an eyebrow or two. Paradoxes such as setting foot on a beautiful golf course peninsula situated in an area designated ‘Special Scientific Interest’ whilst being flanked with what looks like a horror set from the film ‘The Shining’ exposes the weaknesses we have in dealing with derelict properties on the Island. We have countless sites lying abandoned with carbuncle appeal. Robust Government policy needs to be employed ahead of any desire to eat into our beautiful countryside.
Sitting on the Visit Agency Board allows freedom of expression amongst my colleagues. It’s quite liberating to be able to make your feelings known with Chairman Ranald Caldwell overseeing proceedings. I’m learning constantly about the mechanisms within Government departments and how other partners in the tourism sector operate. For instance, listening to the challenges faced by businesses in locating kitchen professionals is enlightening. Seeking solutions has been rewarding as our food and drink industry has vast potential with such trusted local provenance ‘on tap’. The food and drink experience on any holiday is vitally important.
Finding time to get the volunteer Agency work done can be a challenge as anyone running their own business will understand. You need to put the ‘beans on the toast’ first and bookings are up again this year. Somehow, you must squeeze the Agency duties in between tasks and bookings.
It’s handy to see how the market is shaping up first-hand whilst being out and about on the road. Engaging with private operators, small museums, Blue Badge Guides, food and drink providers and of course, the visitors makes the job engaging, informative and lots of fun.
The Agency role is important to me and it’s possible to make time to be a constructive member of the team. The professional opinions of other board members are highly valued and as a committee member in various guises over the years, I have to say that the content of these meetings is absolutely fascinating. It’s possible that with some sharp, smart moves, the economy can benefit quickly by attracting the right tourist groups. For instance, the visiting car clubs is a fine example where a valued tourism income is injected into our service industry by high spending visitors. Our roads are inviting for many and equitable decisions regarding road closures can deliver financial benefits to the economy in the right places.
Looking ahead, I’m excited at the prospect of investigating the USA and Chinese visitor markets further. Anybody who has been to York recently will appreciate the value of personal space as overcrowding is a real issue. Our heritage sites can match anything in Britain and our Victoriana transport network is incredibly special. We just need to be intelligent in how we attract the International visitors who may choose to make a Manx diversion across the water. Owning the sea transport service and providing the appropriate service is integral here.
The formation of the tourism strategy ahead has been insightful and I’m hopeful that our push on promoting outdoor activities will be a success. The Island is an adventure playground for all. Simple objectives such as making our coastal walkways more attractive with better access, waypoints and signage have been achievable. I’m super hopeful for a real effort in Government to develop an insatiable appetite to make cycling an irresistible pursuit for local residents and visitors. An imaginative network for cycling will pay for itself in visitor spend and health cost savings if done right. Creativity and boldness will make it happen and the cycling phenomenon will continue to boom.
Into the future, I’m hoping for a stronger partnership with the massive marketing arm of the TT Races to spread the Manx message far and wide. The online following runs into the millions with portals on YouTube and other digital media fronts. Perhaps an Isle of Man TT/Tourism TV Channel will deliver? We have stacks of interesting content relating to the bikes with news, heritage and history. In addition to that, our tourism has a story every day via our events, locations, visitors, cruise ships and wildlife. And don’t forget, almost everybody is carrying a camera around with them these days.
The acquisition of the ferry service is absolutely tantalising and must deliver cheaper fares and in time, new vessels. Decisions being made at Liverpool Pierhead demand scrutiny and must be tailored to making travel to the Isle of Man part of the holiday experience and not tortuous. Similarly, our cruise ship market is growing at pace. Ensuring that our visiting vessels comply with environmental standards is important. In addition to that, our visitors should be given opportunities to enjoy the Island at its very best. This demands skilled engagement with the retail economy, quality transport providers, food and drink establishments specialising in local produce and inviting the best attraction providers. The cruise ship visitors love to be treated to special experiences away from the tourism treadmills they’ve visited prior to landing here.
Our Island once enjoyed a tourism heyday of 1m visitors per year. Making a return to those times is a tad ambitious, however 70m+ trips are made abroad from the UK and tapping into that figure will deliver much needed income. The answer sits in continuing building our identity and reputation in the World travel market and possibly developing more visitor attractions. The Titanic Centre in Belfast gathers in over 840,000 visitors per year and I often wonder if a similar style super technology indoor attraction to celebrate the TT heritage would deliver some serious numbers to our shores.
If you have any suggestions or ideas about tourism growth on the Island, please contact me via email ged@isleofmangolfholidays.com, I would be delighted to know your thoughts.