The economic downturn in the UK looks to have put paid to hopes of turning the Isle of Man into conference destination, MHKs were told.
Economic Development Minister John Shimmin was quizzed in the House of Keys by John Houghton (Douglas North) about the use of the Villa Marina as a conference venue.
Mr Shimmin explained that the former Department of Tourism and Leisure had produced a business case in 2005 to develop and market the island as a conference destination for corporate and association conference organisers.
Funding of £60,000 per year was secured for three years. That funding expired in 2009.
But following the 2010 restructure of government, and the creation of the new Department of Economic Development, a review was carried out which included that the conference market was not providing a good return on investment.
Mr Shimmin said: ‘Feedback from local conference venue providers in both the private and public sectors is that conferences are currently an ‘on island’ proposition, with very few conferences bringing delegates from off-island.
‘This may be due to the current economic downturn and, in particular, the UK’s economic difficulties.’
Mr Shimmin said the Tourism website continues to market conference business with all inquiries being followed up.
Among conferences booked this year include Young Carers convention on May 9 with up to 130 delegates expected, and gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 14 with more than 400 visitors due to arrive here.
The Minister pointed out that there had been recent multi- million investment in conference facilities in the north west including the £146 million Liverpool Arena
And he added: ‘Since 2011, the economic downturn has had a negative effect on both the association and corporate conference markets throughout the British Isles.’