The Department of Tourism & Leisure have released a call for more Homestay Homes to come forward. If you haven`t booked your accomodation yet, it looks as if you are going to be hard pressed to get any at all.

"HOUSEHOLDERS considering offering Homestay accommodation for TT or the Manx Grand Prix are being urged to register their property with the Department of Tourism and Leisure as soon as possible.

To date more than 560 properties have offered to accommodate TT fans - but more premises are needed with would-be visitors reporting problems securing accommodation. Homestay can be offered for TT for any number of nights between May 23 and June 8.

Tourism Minister David Cretney commented: 'This year the accommodation is very tight. We are hearing that many Homestay properties, as well as hotels, are full, and visitors are having problems getting places to stay.

'Last year we had a last minute rush of people seeking to register their properties for Homestay in May and some applied during Practice Week and TT which came too late. Homestay is a great way for Manx residents to make a little extra money - tax free - while it also benefits the race fans who otherwise would not be able to visit. So I would urge anyone who wants to know more about Homestay to contact my Department on 686801.'

The Minister added: 'We have also started the Homestay Scheme for the Manx Grand Prix (Aug 16-30) following confirmation that most tourist accommodation is already full.'

Homestay co-ordinator Brett Taylor reports that to date exactly 567 homes have registered for TT2003. Of that figure, 249 have advised the Department they are full. He said: 'Last May alone the Department inspected and registered 115 Homestay properties. There were also 50 or so others who contacted us during Practice Week and in TT week which we didn't have time to go out and inspect - they were put onto an emergency list. So if people are thinking of offering Homestay it would help us all if they could contact us as soon as possible.' "

For last minute bookings you can always try the link below.


Homestay