Plea for more TT 'homestay' beds

The TT attracts thousands of visitors

The Isle of Man's tourism chief has appealed for more people to join a "homestay" scheme for next year's centenary of the TT Races.

Director of tourism, Geoff Le Page has made the plea after plans fell through to turn a cruise ship into a floating hotel for visitors to the TT Races.

The scheme sees people accommodating paying visitors in their own homes.

Around 500 homes have registered so far with the scheme making approximately 1,000 beds available.

'Alternative accommodation'

"We have to find alternative accommodation - that will be difficult because registered accommodation has been full for some time," said Mr Le Page.

"If people haven't offered their homes for homestay now is the time to do it because there is great demand," he added.

Ferry operator The Steam Packet Company had considered using a Norwegian cruise ship to house some visitors to the event next year.

But the owners of the MS Nordnorge have now decided to use it for normal operations around the Norwegian coast.

Thousands of people visit the Isle of Man every year for the TT racing festival.