Lou Collins joins Visit Isle of Wight in the last week of June, ready to take on the remainder of the summer marketing and launch in to autumn and winter!

We grabbed a few minutes of her time to ask her some questions…

Visit Isle of Wight: Congratulations on landing the best marketing job on the Isle of Wight! How did you get started in marketing?

Lou Collins: ‘Having finished college in 2011, I decided to take up an Apprenticeship in Marketing with a local destination marketing company based in Eastleigh at the time. Over the next 6 years I completed a Level 2, Level 3 Certificate in Marketing and in 2017 received a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing with the Digital Marketing Institute.

‘During my time at the company I got involved in an array of projects and campaigns – from producing destination guides; booking print distribution; social media management and reporting; to Google Analytics and managing a local food event.

‘Tourism and travel is my passion – it inspires us to see, taste and try new things.’

VIOW: How well do you know the Island?

LC: ‘I have been visiting the Isle of Wight for many years and it holds a very special place in my heart. It was always our location of choice for our annual family holiday. We changed our ‘base’ every time – to name a few…the caravans at Castlehaven Lane in Niton; Grange Farm in Brighstone; a gorgeous cottage in Bembridge to a chalet in Steephill Cove, Ventor – the only condition of our accommodation was that it had to have sea views!

‘Professionally, I have worked with Visit Isle Wight and its many attractions and ferry operators for a number of years. I used to manage and look after a marketing consortium called Hampshire’s Top Attractions, of which they were all members of – it is lovely to be back in touch with them all.’

VIOW: What does it mean to you to join Visit Isle of Wight?

LC: ‘I am so excited and proud to be joining the Visit Isle of Wight team. When I saw this role advertised I instantly thought “that would be a dream job for me”. Having worked with and seen the work that the VIOW team produce over the years, I knew it was something I would love to get involved in.

‘I am looking forward to getting stuck in to all things marketing and working alongside the BID businesses to promote the Island.

‘For me, tourism is all about creating experiences for people, which then turn into memories – there is something so special in being a part of that.

‘How many people can say they take a ferry to work?!’

VIOW: It can’t all be about work though – what do you get up to in your spare time?

LC: ‘Outside of work I love to get out into my garden – whether that is doing the copious amount of weeding; potting new plants or soaking up a bit of sunshine.

‘Me and my partner caved during the first lockdown and got a cat, called Penny – so I love spending time playing and cuddling her.

‘I also love going on walks with my Mum and her ‘always energetic’ Springer Spaniel, Finley – who loves the sea and chasing shadows!’

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To contact Lou Collins, email lou@visitwight.org or call her directly on 01983 240087

(main image courtesy of Lou Collins)