New operator announced for Homestay Scheme

Registrations for this year open on Monday 8 January

Following a tender process, a new operator has been appointed to oversee the Isle of Man Homestay Scheme for the upcoming tourism season.

Local firm Homestay IOM Limited will manage all aspects of the scheme for at least the next three years, including registrations, property inspections, fire safety requirements and have plans to introduce an online booking facility.

The firm is a sister company of holiday lettings agency Island Escapes, and will act on behalf of government agency Visit Isle of Man.

They replace MiQuando Limited, who have been responsible for the scheme for the last six years.

The Isle of Man Homestay Scheme is compulsory for any Isle of Man households who wish to take the opportunity to host paying visitors for the TT Races and Manx Grand Prix. 

For the signature TT Races, hosts can earn up to £2,350 tax free income by registering their property.

Homestay IOM Limited say they will keep registration fees the same, at £60 per property for a one-year registration and quality inspection. Hosts wishing to register for two years can do so for £80, equating to £40 per year.

Along with the standard registration which includes a listing on the new Isle of Man Homestay Scheme website, Homestay IOM Limited will be introducing additional services such as marketing, payment handling, and cleaning and laundry services.

Current homestay hosts with valid registrations will be automatically transferred over to Homestay IOM Limited, and will need to renew with the new operators on the renewal date specified on their registration.

Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, commented: "The Isle of Man Homestay Scheme plays a pivotal role in providing visitors with an authentic Manx experience and we are pleased to welcome Homestay IOM Limited as the new operator of the scheme. 

"With a proven track record in hospitality management and a deep understanding of the local culture, we believe Homestay IOM Limited’s commitment to quality and personalised service, local engagement and innovation will contribute significantly to the Isle of Man’s reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination, and we look forward to a successful partnership.

"We’re anticipating 2024 to be a thriving year for homestay registrations. Islanders registering for the Homestay Scheme and opening their homes to visitors are not only contributing to meeting the demand for accommodation during these busy periods, but are also creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that helps make the TT Races and Manx Grand Prix truly unique experiences."

John Keggin and Jamie Stott, Directors of Homestay IOM Limited, added: "We are delighted with the appointment of Homestay IOM Limited as the new operator of the Homestay Scheme. Through Island Escapes, our established team is already committed to ensuring that visitors experience the utmost comfort and hospitality during their stay, so we’re excited to work collaboratively with Visit Isle of Man and local hosts to enhance the homestay experience in new and innovative ways.

"We plan to launch a new website and online booking platform for the scheme in early February, showing the breadth of Government-registered properties available to book for the TT Races and Manx Grand Prix. With the introduction of these new facilities, we hope to make the scheme more accessible and interactive for both hosts and visitors by offering a quicker and easier booking process, enhancing the overall visitor experience."

Registrations for this year's Homestay Scheme will open on Monday 8 January 2024. 

For further information about the scheme for existing homestay hosts, to register or to become a new host, please contact the Homestay IOM Limited team by email at host@homestay.im or on 01624 820620