Holiday home agency sees surge in summer bookings

An Island holiday home rental agency has seen an increase in demand for bookings this summer.

Island Escapes says it's seen a steady rise in bookings from people off-Island since the start of January for July onwards, despite the Manx borders being closed to visitors at this time.

Director of the company, John Keggin, says: " It is obvious that the situation in the United Kingdom is still very serious in relation to Covid-19 but those of us who work in tourism desperately needs some clarity from the Government as to whether tourists are likely to be allowed to visit the Island later this summer, should the United Kingdom situation improve and our own vaccination programme continue as planned.

"Protecting the island must come first, but with so much positivity about holidaying at home within Britain this year, it is clear residents of the United Kingdom are including the Isle of Man in their thoughts, perhaps boosted by the recent excellent publicity and newly announced Loganair routes.

"Although no official guidance has been received, Island Escapes has decided to suspend taking further new bookings from overseas customers for the summer season until more clarification is received."