Free 12 month trial of online booking system for local attraction and activity providers

Visit Isle of Man, an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, is offering activity and attraction providers based in the Isle of Man the opportunity to trial an online booking system for a 12 month period, free of charge.

In partnership with local firm MiQuando, the agency hopes to assist local businesses in streamlining their booking processes for future visitors and Manx residents alike. The system aims to make it easier for potential visitors to search and book activities in advance of travelling or when on Island which should attract the added benefit of increasing secondary spend.

Registered providers will benefit from the setup of their own online profile on the MiQuando online business directory which will act as a micro website where all relevant details including opening times, prices and availability can be hosted clearly for the customer to see upfront.

Rob Callister MHK, Political Member with responsibility for Visit Isle of Man and Motorsport, commented:

'I strongly urge all activity and attraction providers to take full advantage of this excellent initiative offered by the Visit agency. It is imperative that we all use this time to make preparations so we can make the most of the expected demand for UK domestic staycations when our borders open. 

'Implementing an online booking system can provide substantial benefits including allowing businesses to receive bookings 24/7 and helping to make booking processes more efficient by minimising the time spent processing manual bookings, including returning phone calls and responding to multiple social media messages.

'Now more than ever it is important for businesses to avoid lost income through 'no shows'. An online system with upfront payments can help to prevent this and will provide extra comfort for business owners.'

Angela Byrne, Head of Visit Isle of Man, said:

'Providing an exceptional visitor experience is central to the Visit Isle of Man Strategic Plan and will be more important than ever as we compete for our share of the domestic UK market. We recognise the need to work in partnership with industry to achieve this and hope that this initiative will be appealing to our attraction and activity trade partners.

'This new streamlined booking process will not only benefit visitors but also our residents who are well-placed to promote our extraordinary Island to their off Island friends and relatives. Representing 32% of the Isle of Man's total visitor numbers in 2018, Visiting Friends and Relatives remain a key focus for Visit Isle of Man. We hope that by providing a straight-forward 'one stop shop' booking system that our residents will take the opportunity to explore all the Island has to offer and pass on their recommendations, in turn providing a greater opportunity to increase visitor spend from an upsurge in bookings.'

Full training will be provided to all registered businesses on how to get the most out of the MiQuando portal including self-service management of individual profiles and management and oversight of all online bookings. Further support can also be sought via phone, email, social media or in person with a member of the MiQuando team between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday - Friday.

Interested activity and attraction providers can register for the free 12 month trial at www.visitisleofman.com/trade/miquando