Isle of Man: increasing group visits and 2024 highlights

You’ve been instrumental in growing group visits - what has been key to that success?

I think it’s down to having that personal contact with the groups and also getting their feedback about what they need and what’s gone well.

We have a group travel guide detailing all the key contacts and information group travel organisers and operators need. We also work closely with hoteliers as well as colleagues at Isle of Man Transport and Tours Isle of Man to ensure the whole tour works well. There’s a lot of partnership and teamwork.

What are the main selling points to groups coming to the Isle of Man?

Our culture and history, our attractions and heritage railways. It’s also our lovely scenery; people are always really surprised by the variety of the scenery that we have.

We have places like The Sound on the south of the island which is a really popular place for coach groups to stop, look at the seals, enjoy a cup of tea and take in the views. Visitors often comment on how friendly everyone is here too.

Is there anything on the horizon for groups looking to visit in 2024?

We’ve got an exhibition for the 200th anniversary of the RNLI opening in February at the House of Manannan in Peel which will run all year. The RNLI was established by Sir William Hillary who used to live on the Isle of Man and the exhibition will explore our maritime history.

The Isle of Man is a small place - if I don’t know the answer to a question, I will know someone who will. It is lovely to think what I do contributes to a successful holiday.

Where’s your favourite place to visit?

I love Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla, it has beautiful gardens and is a very calming place. It’s often overlooked but it’s a lovely spot.

Which times of year are great for groups?

May and September are really nice weather-wise, they’re usually the most popular times for groups.

What is Manx National Heritage?

We are the charity responsible for looking after the cultural heritage of the Isle of Man and we also own quite a lot of land. Our attractions include the iconic Laxey Wheel, The House of Manannan, Peel Castle and The National Folk Museum at Cregneash.

Tell us in a nutshell what your role involves?

I’ve worked at Manx National Heritage for just over 20 years had have been involved with group travel for most of that time. It has been really rewarding to build up the business over the years - dealing with group visitors went from a small part of my role to all of it. 

My role involves making group bookings and acting as the key point of contact for all group visits to Manx National Heritage attractions, attending trade shows and networking events, as well as planning and escorting familiarisation visits.

I aim to make it as easy as possible for groups to visit our attractions. I have worked with lots of different specialist groups over the years, from geologists, to farmers, to horologists (a person or company that makes or repairs clocks and watches) who wanted to learn about the conservation of the unique one-handed clock at Castle Rushen.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy helping GTOs and their groups to get the most out of our wonderful heritage attractions and their holiday to the Isle of Man. I love organising and am supported by a great front of house team across our 11 attractions.

It has been really rewarding to build up the business over the years - dealing with group visitors went from a small part of my role to all of it. 

I particularly enjoy fine-tuning itineraries as local knowledge can make a big difference. Every day is different and I learn something new, so it definitely keeps me on my toes. I enjoy building relationships with GTOs and working with other suppliers on the Isle of Man for the benefit of our visitors. It’s always nice to be contacted by a GTO who has previously visited to help plan another trip.

The Isle of Man is a small place - if I don’t know the answer to a question, I will know someone who will. It is lovely to think what I do contributes to a successful holiday.

Lynn McKibbin is business development officer (groups & travel trade) at Manx National Heritage.