News

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF TOURISM

Angela Byrne
THE Department of Economic Development has announced the appointment of Angela Byrne to the role of Head of Tourism.
Angela has 20 years experience in the tourism industry and was previously employed as the Quality and Service Manager in the Tourism Division.   Within this role, Angela was responsible for the registration and grading of all tourist accommodation; the Homestay scheme; Taste Isle of Man Scheme as well as the Tourism Awards. She had latterly spent time as an ‘Acting’ Head of Tourism role for six months, to help cover previous absence.
This is an important role within the Department and within the tourism industry itself. It is pivotal as a point of central contact and conduit for information and takes responsibility for driving forward strategies that will help ensure the continued success of our Isle of Man visitor economy.
Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive, Department of Economic Development, said:
‘We are very pleased to be able to promote from within our existing Isle of Man Tourism team and appreciate that Angela’s knowledge, skills and expertise will be a great asset.  This is a highly important role within our visitor economy and I am confident that she has the ambition and experience to strengthen the achievements of the Department and to drive tourism forward during what promises to be a continued period of economic challenge. 
Through hard work and enthusiasm Angela has already assisted a large number of stakeholders to become successful by advising them on ways to improve the visitor experience and the quality of their products.  I wish her every success in her new role.’
Commenting on her new position Angela Byrne said:
‘I am looking forward to helping to develop the industry, to implementing our tourism strategies and to the rewarding experience that those will bring.  I will ensure that in my new role as Head of Tourism I will be fully focused on identifying new opportunities and raising the profile of the Isle of Man as a visitor destination as part of our drive to further develop our visitor economy.’
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Press Contact:
Angela Byrne, Head of Tourism
Email: angela.byrne@gov.im. Telephone: 01624 687083