An MHK has branded government’s marketing in preparation for the Isle of Man welcoming back tourists as ’uninspiring’.

It remains the Manx Government’s hope to start welcoming visitors to the island from the end of June.

But Middle MHK Bill Shimmins said he had been contacted by people in the tourism sector worried about the messaging on the Visit Isle of Man website, especially in comparison with the Channel Islands.

’Why is the Visit Isle of Man website’s approach so different, so uninspiring from the other Crown Dependencies’ websites?’

He told the House of Keys last week: ’Visit Jersey’s website says it is this "perfect staycation location", and "we are now welcoming back visitors from the UK" and stresses safety.

’The Visit Guernsey website says, "We are excited to welcome visitors back from July 1. We cannot wait to see you."

’The Visit Isle of Man website says, "The Isle of Man is continuing to work towards the ambition of unrestricted travel, subject to the progression of the local vaccination programme, as well as the developing situation."’

He asked Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly: ’Which island do you think UK visitors will book to come and visit?’

The minister retorted: ’I thank the Member for the Channel Islands for highlighting the benefits of other islands.’

He added: ’Both those islands, particularly Jersey, have had different border conditions right from the get-go, so we clearly have taken a different route, and we want to be sure, before we start spending very valuable taxpayers’ money marketing our island, that we can welcome them here and they will have an excellent experience.’

The issue was raised initially by Julie Edge (Onchan) who remarked: ’It is quite clear, if we are not marketing the island to encourage people to the island in a positive way, that we are behind the curve.’