The Isle of Wight has been recognised as one of the UK’s top destinations for group travel.

The Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2023 sees the Isle of Wight in the second round of voting and pitted against other UK destinations including Leicestershire, London, Staffordshire, Wiltshire and York. The Isle of Wight was last shortlisted as the Best UK Destination in the Group Leisure & Travel Awards in 2020.

The Island is represented in three further categories, as Daish’s Holidays and Warner Leisure Hotels are shortlisted in the Best Accommodation for Groups, while Wightlink are in the category of Best Ferry or Fixed Link Operator and Daish’s Holidays make a second appearance, in the Best Coach or Tour Operator category.

The Isle of Wight has long been a popular destination for group travel, welcoming visitors to stay with quality accommodation providers taking part in a variety of activities and take advantage of its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and with 50% of the Island designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is an obvious destination for pursuits of many kinds.

A wide variety of groups visit the Isle of Wight for a host of different reasons including walking and cycling, bird-watching, landscape photography, making the most of dark skies with astrophotography, history fans will flock to Osborne and Brading Roman Villa, as well as perpetual favourites such as the Needles Landmark Attraction and tours of the Island’s beautiful countryside, coastline, towns and villages.

The awards are now decided by vote, with voting allocation given only to group travel organisers – those who organise group trips and holidays as a hobby, volunteer or someone operating as an independent travel organiser. Votes are not accepted from travel trade professionals working for suppliers and operators.

Amy Summers, Sustainable Travel, Trade and Exhibitions Manager, said:

‘We’re delighted that the Isle of Wight has been shortlisted as one of only six finalists in the running for Best UK Destination in this year’s prestigious Group Leisure & Travel Awards.

‘Over the past twelve months we have worked hard to engage with Group Travel organisers, Coach Operators and Tour Operators, to showcase the Island as the destination for group travel in the UK. We’ve updated our essential guide for groups, attended trade exhibitions through the Exhibitions Partnership and joined membership groups to network directly within the industry.

‘The Island has so much to offer groups, from quality accommodation providers to attractions welcoming groups, it’s fantastic that we have been recognised for this award.

‘The fact that other businesses with strong Island interests, including Wightlink, Warner Leisure Hotels and Daish’s Holidays, are also represented in separate categories demonstrates the strength of the Island’s offer.

‘We look forward to attending the awards ceremony in October and wish all the finalists the very best.’

Votes must be received by Sunday 2nd July to be counted. If you are a group travel organiser, to vote for the Isle of Wight as the UK’s best destination for group travel, go to: www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards/vote