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Business News Wales
5 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Anglesey Boat Tour Operator Expands Fleet to Meet Rising Tourist Demand
A surge in tourism interest around Anglesey's coastline has prompted a Holyhead-based fishing trip company to expand its operations, doubling its fleet and diversifying services to cater to a wider audience. Owned and operated by local fisherman, Dave Jones, Anglesey Fishing and Boat Trips has seen a boom in business, supported by guidance from Business Wales. Founded in July 2023, Anglesey Fishing and Boat Trips originally specialised in bespoke fishing excursions around the Anglesey coast. The business started with a single vessel, The Upholder, but customer demand has quickly seen its offerings evolve to include a broader range of services, including sightseeing tours and private charters to the Isle of Man. Within a year of launching, the company has expanded its fleet to include a second vessel, The Lophelia, the only enclosed rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in Wales. Dave Jones, a lifelong fisherman, was encouraged by his wife, Amanda, who leveraged her skills as a procurement professional to promote the business online. Sensing opportunities for growth beyond traditional fishing tours, the couple sought advice from Business Wales. The organisation's tourism industry experts provided invaluable guidance, helping Dave diversify his services and gain confidence in expanding his business. Dave said: 'I love being a fisherman and I think more people should have the chance to explore the beauty of the coastline that's always supported me and my family. Customers agreed and we quickly felt there was room to grow and bring in new types of tours. Business Wales really helped us explore our options, and we were able to invest confidently in expanding the fleet and the types of trips we offer.' The newest addition to the fleet, The Lophelia, is a significant step forward for Anglesey Fishing and Boat Trips. The boat, which seats 12 and offers an enclosed, weather-protected space for passengers, allows the company to offer private charters to the Isle of Man. These trips have already generated substantial interest, with advance bookings for popular events such as the TT Races, Southern 100, and the Manx Grand Prix. Amanda Jones, who plays a pivotal role in the business's operations, said: 'Dave has been a fisherman his whole life, and the natural progression was to expand our services when we saw so much interest in day trips. Business Wales helped us navigate the right path and gave us the tools to grow.' Business Wales Adviser Svetlana Ross connected Dave with industry specialists, including Digital Adviser Euros Smith and Tom Burke, the Digital Innovation Manager at M-SParc, Wales' first Science Park, to help the company improve its online presence. The company's latest offerings, including sightseeing tours to destinations like South Stack, Skerries, and Llanddwyn Island, have attracted a diverse clientele. With The Upholder continuing to host a variety of fishing experiences, including introductory and wreck fishing, the company caters to both seasoned anglers and tourists. The expansion has been further fuelled by social media success. By participating in Business Wales courses, Anglesey Fishing and Boat Trips is now followed by thousands of people and customers eager to explore the beautiful waters surrounding Anglesey. Amanda said: 'We knew that people wanted to see pictures, videos, and reviews before booking. Business Wales connected us with Euros, who's helping us build an engaging online platform. Sharing content regularly had an immediate effect, as soon as people see what we have here, they want to explore it themselves.' Looking ahead, Dave is optimistic about the company's future. With plans to continue expanding and enhancing its digital presence, Anglesey Fishing and Boat Trips is poised to make waves in the Welsh tourism industry. Svetlana Ross of Business Wales said: 'Dave has a clear vision for the future, and I'm confident that, with the support he's receiving, the business will continue to thrive over the coming months.'
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Tourism still big earner for the Isle of Man last year adding millions of pounds to its economy
Tourism is still one of the big-earners for the Manx economy, generating hundreds of millions of pounds last year, according to new figures released today. The figures from Visit Isle of Man show that almost 330,000 visitors flocked to the island in 2024, both for business and pleasure, staying on average just over 5 nights each. With each visitor adding an average of £663 during their stay they helped generate more than £212 million pounds for the Isle of Man economy, with almost £2 million coming from cruise tourism alone. Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, says that despite bad weather blighting the country last year and rising prices: "The 2024 visitor figures are a testament to the success of a collaborative, industry-wide approach focused on sustainable growth, high quality experiences and strategic marketing. "We are delighted with the outcome, particularly in light of the challenges faced throughout the year. "Adverse weather conditions affected both the Isle of Man and our primary feeder market, the UK, whilst additional hurdles included an early Easter, connectivity issues both locally and nationally, price increases driven by global forces, and ongoing economic uncertainty impacting consumer confidence and spending. "Despite these obstacles, visitor spending exceeded £210 million, and satisfaction levels remained consistently high, clear indicators that our long-term strategy is delivering." She adds:"Some of this success is also owed to the Island's growing recognition in the press. "2024 highlights include being named among Conde Nast Traveller's Top 10 UK Islands, listed as one of Wanderlust's Top 10 Best European Islands, and most recently, featured in BBC Travel's global '25 Best Places to Travel in 2025' list. "Sustaining a strong presence in the minds of potential visitors is a key priority for Visit Isle of Man, and the impact of our efforts is becoming increasingly visible. "Our commitment remains unchanged: to build a resilient, year-round visitor economy that brings lasting benefits to everyone who lives, works, visits and invests in our Island." Enduring attractions like the TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix helped pull in the tourists, accounting for almost 24%, but the outstanding natural beauty of the island was the major attraction, with 61% enjoying walking, or exploring the countryside and parkland, with heritage sites also a major draw.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Car park becomes Isle of Man TT local food and drink market
Preparations for a seaside market showcasing local food and drink have led to the closure of a car park throughout the TT Bottleneck Car Park at the southern end of the Douglas Promenade was shut to parking on Tuesday, and ahead of the opening of the Mann Made Festival on Friday at 17:00 site was previously home to the Bushy's Beer Tent for 20 years, which moved to the Villa Marina gardens in Saunders of organisers Event Management Solutions said the market would show "TT visitors and locals alike just how great real Manx produce can be". The market, which will feature food and drink stalls, a bar and live music performances, will be open daily between 12:00 and 22:00 until 6 June.A left luggage facility will also be situated on the site for the duration of the TT festival. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hundreds watch drone show over Douglas marking city anniversary
Hundreds of people have watched the Isle of Man's first ever drone show to mark the first anniversary of the Manx capital becoming a city. Queen Camilla conferred the status on Douglas in a ceremony on 20 March last year, which the council has named City Day. The display took place over the bay on Thursday evening in front of large crowds. It featured a number of well-known Isle of Man icons, events, and locations, including the Laxey Wheel, a Manx cat and a tribute to Manx-born siblings the Bee Gees. And the TT Races were also among the events highlighted, with the well-known logo flashing across the sky, after the outline of the course and a motorbike moved across the bay. The Tower of Refuge and a tribute to the wild population of wallabies were also featured in the show. Star Symphony Drone Shows ran the event of behalf of the local authority with support from the ELS Group, which provided the sound from the Department for Enterprise met "ancillary costs", it was one of eight places to be given city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
