Manx Radio reports that "a local hotelier says the Snaefell Mountain Railway is an important part of the Island’s tourism industry." "Speaking on Wednesday’s Talking Heads programme, David Mackey from the Ascot Hotel in Douglas said railway enthusiasts make up a large portion of visitors" He added: "There are 35 to 40 tours we know of that have brought exclusive train clientele to the Island, and if we need £750,000 spending on the railways, then it needs doing because its an itegral cog in what we're offering as an visitor experience here."
Mr Mackay added: "We have to support this. The Island is trying to diversify its economy. The value of tourism is... getting through now to government and we need to keep feeding it, keep our profile, keep hammering away because its good news for the Island." On Tuesday, Tynwald members voted to pay £720,000 to finish repairs on the 120-year-old route. Work on the scheme will begin shortly. Read the original report and listen to the audio clip HERE.