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CLICK HERE to read the latest version of the Isle of Wight destination management plan

Updated version now on line

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Destination Management Plan so far – An updated copy of the latest version is now available by clicking on the image below. A destination management plan is not a marketing strategy for Visit isle of Wight (although it influences Visit Wight’s marketing and development choices and actions), but a plan for the whole Island and all the organisations, companies and NGO’s involved in managing tourism or any aspects of it.

HOW TO FEEDBACK YOUR VIEWS  > Please email Visit Isle of Wight Chairman, Simon Dabell with your thoughts and views:  simon@visitwight.org Thank you.

What is a Destination Management Plan?

• Destination Management is a process of leading, influencing and coordinating the successful management of all the aspects of a destination that contribute to a visitor’s experience, taking account of the needs of visitors, local residents, businesses and the environment.

• A Destination Management Plan (DMP) is a shared statement of intent to manage a destination over a stated period of time, articulating the roles of the different stakeholders and identifying clear actions that they will take and the apportionment of resources, in order for the destination to be successful.

In other words, it is a Strategy and Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism in a destination.

So why does the Island need such a plan?

• Supporting the Island’s visitor economy is not just about promotion but must cover a whole range of activities aimed at strengthening the quality of the visitor experience and the performance of businesses.

• Our visitors will enjoy a whole set of experiences delivered by many organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. It is essential that these sectors work together and in doing so achieve a better use and management of resources.

• A key benefit of having a plan is to identify what the real needs and priorities are for the Island, in order that financial and human resources can be used most effectively. If the plan is well researched, argued and presented, then such a plan can identify projects for support and strengthen the Island’s case for funding.

• The number, and type, of visitor coming to the Island has a range of impacts on both people and the environment. These will need to be managed carefully if they are to be sustainable, and in turn will benefit from this careful management also.

HOW TO FEEDBACK YOUR VIEWS  > Please email Visit Isle of Wight Chairman, Simon Dabell with your thoughts and views:  simon@visitwight.org Thank you.

If you would like to know more, please read the “Principles for developing Destination Management Plans” produced by Visit England. This document gives a number of case study examples from other parts of the UK.