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October Walking Festival Launched 24 August 2006 Plans are in place for the staging of the latest addition to the Island’s outdoor calendar – the Isle of Man Autumn Walking Festival. Following feedback received from participants in the successful June Festival, which was launched in 2004, the Department of Tourism has decided to organise a weekend event from October 12-15. Co-ordinator will be Mick Salmon from Douglas who has been involved as a guide with the three previous summer festivals and before that, for ten years, organised his own walking holidays for visitors. Said Mick: ‘A lot of people said they would like to return to see the Island at a different time of year. The feedback was taken on board and it was decided to go ahead with a festival in October. ‘It was felt this might also appeal to a different market as it would provide a weekend break and not necessitate people taking much time off work. The type of flora and fauna on view is totally different in October and there is no doubt that is the time of year to see the Manx glens at their best’. While some of the enquiries received are from people who have been to previous festivals, many are from first-timers. Judy Arnold - whose company Travel Services is offering four-night packages from UK airports, together with sea travel from Liverpool and Heysham – explained that a number of bookings had been received already and that there had been a great deal of local interest too. Tourism Minister David Cretney said: ‘The October Walking Festival should appeal to all ages. It will follow roughly the same popular format as our three summer events with varied walks to suit all abilities but will be sufficiently different to attract regular walkers as well as those coming here for the first time. ‘It is to be based in Port Erin, as opposed to Douglas, and offers a different selection of walks in the south of the Island, as well as further afield. We are expecting it to open up a whole new market – people looking for an autumn break, others who are tied up during the summer months, and those who want to return and see what the Island looks like later in the year. I guarantee none of them will be disappointed.’ - Further details about travel packages can be obtained from Travel Services on 01624 661177 or www.isleofmantravel.com
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