Last year was a positive year for tourism, the head of Visit Isle of Wight has claimed.
Speaking to an Isle of Wight Council committee on Thursday last week, the director of the tourism organisation, Will Myles, gave an update to councillors.
While he fears 2023 may be more challenging, research suggests it could be positive. Mr Myles said it is forecast 35.1million tourists will visit the UK from abroad this year — fewer than in 2019, when 40.9 million made the trip.
No data was gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He told the policy and scrutiny committee for neighbourhoods and regeneration the Island usually gets around 6% of the total number of tourists travelling to the UK.
Mr Myles said:
“While I feel 2023 will be a tough, challenging year for tourism, the actual research is quite positive and buoyant.”
He shared data from Visit Britain, which shows the number of British people enjoying overnight visits is likely to increase, especially between January and March, when 19% more people say they plan to travel.
Meanwhile, the tourism management organisation’s Autumn advertisement campaign, asked visitors to ‘say yes to the Isle of Wight’.
In August and September, the adverts were watched 68.5million times. The adverts also led to 84,635clicks for the Visit Isle of Wight website.
Mr Myles said it was positive, but the team was looking at how it could do even better. Meanwhile, a television advert about the Isle of Wight debuted on Boxing Day.
Committee member, Councillor Ian Ward, on seeing the advert, said he thought it was for a Venezuelan island.
Mr Myles said it was there to challenge perceptions of the Isle of Wight and show that it is a great place to visit and not stuck in the 1950s.
The problem tourism to Isle of Wight faces is the hugely expensive ferry charges… especially during peak times…. let alone all the cancellations..
We need either a set rate for ferry crossings at all times.. or build a tunnel. A tunnel will increase tourism , increase business, increase medical, increase jobs…
Stupid comments don’t need a tunnel part of coming to are island is the ferry if you need to go back every week then live over there are roads are busy enough with all the dfls now
Your easily pleased if a ferry ride gets you excited!!!
Agreed a tunnel would be so much better, would be green too and allow a good flow to and from the Island, can have more checks on the dodgy scum,ANPR etc and best of all would help businesses grow and be sustainable and reduce council tax. If council managed ( not built or would be like floaty dridge thing ) would also bring income, unlike both ferries where all the money goes to foreign investors. Ordinary people cannot afford £200 for a few days away.
I wish the Island was stuck in the 1950’s.