The Department of Economic Development has appointed local maritime company, Neptumar (IOM) Ltd, a subsidiary of Dohle (IOM) Ltd, as its Cruise Consultant as part of a new strategy to drive forward cruise business in the Isle of Man.
 
The three year contract will see Neptumar (IOM) Ltd build on the considerable success in attracting cruise ships over the last nine years. This year there will be a record number of 19 cruise ships visiting the Isle of Man, with bookings for 2016 standing at 16 already.
 
David Cretney MHK, the Department’s political Member with responsibility for Tourism, commented:
 
‘The number of visiting cruise ships has grown considerably over the past few years. They are now a common sight in Douglas Bay and cruise passengers coming ashore are a boost to our Visitor Economy. We are confident that the appointment of Neptumar (IOM) Ltd will help us to attract even more ships to the Isle of Man.
 
‘The tourism industry supports over 7% of jobs on the Isle of Man and brings in an overall visitor spend of ?107 million. The new contract will raise awareness of the Isle of Man globally as Neptumar (IOM) Ltd uses its vast network of contacts and its experience of the shipping industry to secure new business and interest.’
 
Neptumar (IOM) Ltd is part of one of the largest ship management companies in the Isle of Man. It will take responsibility for running the Isle of Man cruise programme, including the practical onshore ground handling services and monitoring of cruise packages.
 
Peter van Toor, Operations Manager at Neptumar (IOM) Ltd, commented:
 
‘We are very proud to have been awarded the Isle of Man Government contract for Cruise Market Consultancy Services. We are also delighted to retain the consultancy services of Terry Toohey to work with us and share his longstanding relationships and extensive cruise industry knowledge.  We believe that we have the right team and resources in place to attract more cruise liners to the Isle of Man in the years to come.’

Photo - Representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Neptumar and Dohle (from left to right): Terry Toohey, Cruise Consultant, Neptumar (IOM) Ltd / Peter van Toor, Operations Manager, Neptumar (IOM) Ltd / Julie Colquitt, Business Development Manager, Department of Economic Development / Keith Button, CFO, Dohle (IOM) Ltd.