The island has a new director of tourism – a post that was scrapped three and a half years ago.
Robin Bischert has been appointed director of tourism and the visitor economy for a three year fixed term.
He says he is looking forward to developing the island’s potential as a ‘unique and distinctive’ destination.
The last director, Rod Nipper, had been just two years in the job when he was ousted in April 2011 in a reorganisation that halved the dedicated tourism division.
Before taking up his new role this month, Mr Bischert was interim chief executive at the Royal Greenwich Destination Management Company where he oversaw marketing during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Before that, he spent seven years as chief executive of Bath Tourism Plus Limited, a public and private sector partnership.
Mr Bischert also has broad strategic leadership experience having been a management consultant with Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers in the UK and Middle East, and having had senior management roles with Wembley Stadium Group and Parkwood Leisure Limited.
Mr Bischert said ‘I have spent the last few weeks meeting with key industry stakeholders to understand the main issues they face.
‘I’m looking forward to working closely with these public and private sector partners in developing the Isle of Man’s true potential as a unique and distinctive visitor destination’.
David Cretney MHK, the Department of Economic Development’s political member with responsibility for tourism, said: ‘I am delighted that in Robin Bischert we have secured the services of such a highly respected and experienced individual.
‘The visitor economy is a vital sector as it supports thousands of local jobs and provides the infrastructure for our tourism, hospitality, retail and leisure services.
‘As highlighted in the Vision2020 strategy, it also supports creation of our lifestyle advantages and good transport links important for all our business sectors.’