Island businesses vote Yes to a fresh start for Visit Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight businesses have voted in favour of Wight BID 3, securing a new five-year term for Visit Isle of Wight to market the island as one destination and represent its visitor economy.
Wight BID 3 ballot results
| The total number of valid votes cast | – |
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| The total aggregate rateable value of valid votes cast | – |
| The total number of valid votes cast in favour of the BID | – |
| The total aggregate rateable value of valid votes in favour of the BID | – |
| The total number of ballot papers rejected | – |
The result marks a fresh start, with a renewed focus on marketing, partnerships and representation, and commercial growth and intelligence. Read the full statement below for details of the result and what happens next.
Read the full statementA fresh start for Visit Isle of Wight
Read the full statement for details of the result and what happens next.
Island businesses vote Yes to a fresh start for Visit Isle of Wight
BID 3 approved: new term begins 1 November 2026.
Isle of Wight businesses have voted in favour of BID 3, giving Visit Isle of Wight a fresh mandate to market the island as one destination and to champion its visitor economy throughout the year.
After a month-long vote, the ballot closed on 29 October 2026. Of the businesses that voted, [X]% backed the proposal, representing [X]% of total rateable value, on a turnout of [X]%.
The result keeps a single, collective voice for the island in an increasingly competitive UK tourism market. It also marks a clear break with the past: BID 3 has been built around what levy-payers said they wanted, with a leaner structure, a sharper focus on marketing, and a business plan that businesses can hold the organisation to.
Dominic Wray, Interim CEO of Visit Isle of Wight, said:
"This is a vote of confidence in the Isle of Wight, and I want to thank every business that took the time to read the plan, ask the difficult questions and cast their vote. Businesses told us clearly what they needed from a new BID: marketing that brings people here, a strong voice for the island, and value they can see. They've backed that plan.
"Now the real work starts. We know trust is earned, not given, and that's exactly how we'll approach the next term."
What happens next
BID 3 is built on three pillars: Marketing Our Island, Partnerships & Representation, and Commercial Growth & Intelligence. In the coming weeks Visit Isle of Wight will:
- appoint a Marketing Director to lead the organisation into the new term, with governance held by the Chair and board
- confirm its new agency partners for PR, social media and digital marketing, following an open tender
- finalise its first-year marketing programme
- contact every levy-paying business directly with what the result means for them and how to get involved
Here you can read what Wight BID 3 will deliver:
Read the Wight BID 3 Business Plan (PDF)Here you can find the official declaration and further information on the Isle of Wight Council webpage:
Isle of Wight Council: official declaration
What Wight BID 3 will deliver
The Business Plan sets out what Wight BID 3 will deliver from 1 November 2026 to 2031, what it costs each sector, and how we’ll report back to you.
Questions about the result? Talk to us.
Email info@visitwight.org.