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Isle of Man Event Services to run Biosphere Walking Holidays on the Island as Company becomes UNESCO Partner

Wed, 24 Mar 2021


Hikers and ramblers considering the Isle of Man as a spectacular walking destination will be encouraged by the news that the Island’s leading walking events company, Isle of Man Event Services, has been awarded UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Partner status.

This highly sought accreditation will provide walking enthusiasts with unprecedented access to some of the most Isle of Man’s most cherished wildlife and heritage sites. Admitted to the world network of Biosphere reserves in 2016, the Isle of Man is unique in that it is the only entire nation UNESCO Biosphere.

Isle of Man Event Services already operate a popular programme of walking and discovery holidays including Walk the Isle of Man. Now, in addition, the plan is to run year-round, week-long Biosphere Holidays focussing on:  

  • Heritage & Culture
  • Wildlife
  • Birdlife
  • Marine Life & Nature Reserves
  • Nature Reserves and Biodiversity
  • Trips to the Calf of Man with Guided Walk
  • Wildflower Meadows
  • Dark Skies & the Island’s Unique Environments
  • Victorian Transport System  

Each itinerary will encompass an attractive combination of visits to locations of special interest on land and at sea, providing visitors with exclusive and unrivalled access to areas of conservation and outstanding natural beauty, otherwise off limits to the general public.

The trips will be under the guidance of local experts in each field, who will provide fascinating insights into many of the Biosphere projects that are being actioned on the Isle of Man.   

Sally Helwich, Isle of Man Events Managing Director, said she was thrilled to have received UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Partner recognition. “We wholeheartedly support the entire UNESCO Biosphere philosophy, embracing sustainable development, conservation and education. These are all standards we have actively encouraged and promoted over a period of years in support of our wonderful Island home and we will continue to everything we can to uphold these values and principles in our new role as UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partners.  

“From a visitor perspective, we are now uniquely placed to offer Biosphere holidays, under the tutelage of exceptionally knowledgeable local guides, providing clients with an unrivalled opportunity to explore and experience areas of the Island that would otherwise be inaccessible to the public at large.

We can’t wait to get started,” said Sally.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “As we prepare to welcome visitors to the Isle of Man again post-Covid, it is wonderful news that our Biosphere Partner is specifically showing off our natural, cultural and heritage treasures via Biosphere holidays.

“The holidays will give visitors a flavour of our UNESCO Biosphere, quite literally, as they will enjoy our fantastic local produce and renowned hospitality, too.

“And I hope holidaymakers will return home as ambassadors for our Biosphere and tell others what is being achieved in the Isle of Man, encouraging them to visit, too.’

Within its partnership role, Isle of Man Events (www.iomevents.com) is pledged to uphold four key UNESCO principles relating to the Island, namely:

  • Developing the economy
  • Supporting and promoting cultural heritage
  • Engaging with the local community
  • Promoting outstanding living landscapes.

For further information about the Isle of Man Biosphere Holidays available through Isle of Man Event Services, contact the company on 01624 664460 or email: info@iomevents.com

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