THIRTEEN travel agents from Bristol flew to the Isle of Man this weekend, courtesy of Isle of Man Tourism and Flybe, following the launch of Flybe’s Bristol to Isle of Man route.

The travel agents, from Hogg Robinson Group, FCM Travel and Ian Allan Travel, were accompanied by Paul Willoughby, Flybe’s Midland and South East sales manager and Louise Neil, business development executive, Bristol Airport.

On their arrival in the Isle of Man on Saturday evening the party was given a whistle stop tour round the Island, taking in Laxey, Peel and Castletown. 

This was followed by dinner at the Sound Restaurant hosted by Isle of Man Tourism and Manx National Heritage officials.  After dinner they were taken to The Regency Hotel in Douglas and returned to Bristol on Sunday morning.   

Mr Willoughby said: "The entire group has agreed that we got a real taste of the Island and will definitely return. Actually seeing the airport and Island for ourselves will certainly make it that much easier when booking our clients on future trips."

Angela Crebbin, Isle of Man Tourism communications manager, said: "The new service from Bristol to the Isle of Man is a great opportunity for the Isle of Man.

"I am pleased our guests enjoyed their short trip to the Island and that they have expressed a wish to return. The Bristol route will give us the opportunity to expand our links with the South of England and we look forward to welcoming more visitors from this area."

Angela Byrne, Isle of Man Tourism quality and service manager (far left), Paul Willoughby, Flybe southern sales manager (second left), Angela Crebbin, Isle of Man Tourism communications manager (third left) and Gaynor Haxby, head of public services – Manx National Heritage (front left) pictured with Bristol travel agents.