Visit Isle of Wight recently hosted the Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board to experience first-hand what the UK’s sunniest destination has to offer.

Victoria Borwick, joined by London & South East Regional LVEP (Local Visitor Economic Partnership*) Lead Claire Ford, were welcomed by Will Myles, Visit Isle of Wight MD and David Curtis-Brignell MBE, Chair of Visit Isle of Wight, for the three-day visit (17-19 June).

The busy itinerary saw the VIPs meet with a variety of the Island’s tourism businesses and see for themselves the hard work that goes into providing a strong visitor experience.

A round-table networking event, hosted by Visit Isle of Wight at Ventnor Arts Club, was welcomed by the VisitEngland team and local industry leaders from a wide cross-section of the Isle of Wight’s tourism sector.

Laura Baxter, Head of Marketing at Blackgang Chine – the UK’s oldest theme park – was at the networking event:

“It was a fantastic evening spent with Victoria Borwick and Island tourism colleagues. It seems we are all going through similar challenges, and it was wonderful to be able to openly talk through those with VisitEngland listening. She spoke so fondly of her time on the Island and I’m hopeful we will now have a more powerful voice within the national tourism landscape.”

The whirlwind tour saw Victoria Borwick and Claire Ford engage with over 40 Isle of Wight businesses – including a meeting with the Island’s newest celebrities, Benji and Balu at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

VisitEngland Chair Victoria Borwick said:

“It was a pleasure to visit the Isle of Wight and meet such passionate, welcoming tourism businesses – from attractions and accommodation providers to cultural venues and transport services. I was also impressed to see the innovation and local investment taking place across the visitor economy with businesses diversifying and working hard to create outstanding experiences for visitors. It’s easy to see why the Isle of Wight is one of England’s leading destinations, with so much for visitors to enjoy and all within easy reach of London.”

Among the many highlights over the three days was an opportunity to tread the main stage at the Isle of Wight Festival and meeting with Festival boss John Giddings, just hours before the gates opened for the Thursday launch of the world-famous music event.

VisitEngland Regional Lead for London & South East Claire Ford, said:

“I was very pleased to visit the Isle of Wight and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing tourism businesses. The strong leadership from the Visit Isle of Wight LVEP is impressive, driving the Island’s visitor economy forward with genuine ambition and collaboration. I saw for myself the richness of the Island’s diverse tourism offer and the fantastic welcome visitors receive, as well as the vital role festivals and events play in supporting tourism year-round.”

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight, said:

“I was extremely pleased to welcome Victoria Borwick and Claire Ford to the Island and be in the position to introduce her to the many hard-working businesses that make our island the best place to visit!

“My thanks go to everyone involved, Visit Isle of Wight continues to work closely with VisitEngland and opportunities such as this visit only come round once every 5 or 6 years, and is only made possible with the support of the Wight BID which funds Visit Isle of Wight’s marketing activities on the mainland and beyond. Lady Victoria left with a greater understanding and love for the Island, which we see as mission accomplished – we continue to use every possible avenue to increase awareness of the Island, with not just visitors, but key decision makers and influencers, to the benefit of Isle of Wight businesses.”

*Visit Isle of Wight is the Local Visitor Economic Partnership with VisitEngland – one of only 40 in England and one of the geographically smallest LVEPs – find out more here: https://visitwightpro.com/2023/07/26/visit-isle-of-wight-recognised-in-national-tourism-dmo-review/