The Isle of Wight would truly not be the same place without its fair share of visitors, as tourism is undoubtedly a fundamental part of life on this wonderful island.
Fortunately, figures released earlier this year highlighted that the area is continuing to thrive as a holiday hotspot for a number of people, with Tourism South East revealing that visits in 2018 were up by five percent on the previous year, while total visitor spending reached a massive £303 million. Furthermore, the same study noted that people were enjoying longer trips to the island, with a rise in the number choosing to stay for five nights or more.
Such findings are clearly good news for the island, but they do also raise questions regarding just what the future holds. How can the area continue to move forward, boost its visitor figures further and also make the most of everything it has to offer? More importantly, is it time for a tourism rethink?
Moving with the times
Considering the tourism figures earlier this year made such happy reading, it is probably a touch drastic to suggest that a complete overhaul is needed to boost visitor numbers further. However, some may argue that there are still some areas where the island could look to move a little more with the times and modernise.
For example, while traditional bingo halls like Leo Leisure’s site in Ryde may have traditionally been seen as an attraction to enjoy while holidaying on the island, some might argue that such sites start to look outdated when developments like online bingo have been considered. For example, a site like Wink Bingo not only gives people the chance to claim a no deposit bingo bonus and play bingo wherever they want, but it also features games that are inspired by a variety of inventive genres and themes.
With this in mind, should the Isle of Wight be looking to potentially embrace modern forms of entertainment and attractions? After all, adapting to a modern outlook and re-vamping classic venues could particularly help to engage and attract new visitors.
Facing the music
It has to be said that the Isle of Wight’s healthy tourism figures for 2018 are perhaps all the more impressive considering that the island lost a major music festival in the years before.
Bestival had been an important mainstay on the island since it was first held at Robin Hill Country Park in 2003, but in 2017 it was switched to a site in Dorset. According to the organisers, who included renowned DJ and island resident Rob da Bank, the decision was ultimately driven by economics and also issues with getting people onto the Isle of Wight.
The loss of the festival undoubtedly put a focus on the logistical aspect of hosting such a major music event on the island and whether they are something that the region can truly be relying on from a tourism perspective. However, there is a strong argument that the ongoing success of the Isle of Wight Festival in a way puts such concerns to bed.
The event enjoyed a hugely successful 2019 with headliners such as Noel Gallagher, Biffy Clyro and George Ezra, while it has already been confirmed that the 2020 event will take place at Seaclose Park in Newport from June 11th. When all of that is considered, it seems like music festivals still could have a role to play in the island’s tourism.
The way forward
So, while modernising and making the most of the Isle of Wight Festival could be important to the island’s future tourism, what other strategies could the area consider to further promote its credentials as a holiday destination? One potential avenue could be to dig deep into its rich history and perhaps do more to promote the impressive historical sites that it boasts.
For example, the stunning estate of Osborne has proven itself time and time again as one of the island’s real gems. Purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert all the way back in 1845, the royal couple built a mansion on the site and used it as their seaside home and a retreat for all manner of special occasions. Victoria went on to use the site for more than 50 years, and it truly is an impressive location. From its famous Italianate design to its collections highlighting the tastes of the Royal couple, there is plenty for visitors to experience and enjoy.
On a similar note, another key landmark that perhaps could be showcased more prominently is Carisbrooke Castle. While the site is thought to have been used as a cemetery back in the 6th century, it was first converted into a castle following the Norman Conquest. Now an impressive Elizabethan fortress, it is undoubtedly a location with many stories to tell – not least the fascinating tale of how Charles I was held prisoner there during the Civil War.
A fascinating future ahead
The Isle of Wight has been a very attractive proposition to tourists now for a number of years and while it is safe to say that current visitor numbers seem to indicate there is little need for a total revamp of its tourism, there does appear to be a few ways it could go on to enjoy further success.
Modernising old-school attractions and making more of its historical landmarks could undoubtedly prove to be an important way forward, while there is plenty to suggest that music festivals could still play a role despite what happened with Bestival.
Whatever the future ultimately holds, it seems pretty crystal clear that the Isle of Wight is alive and kicking when it comes to tourism and it will truly be fascinating to see how the island continues to develop and evolve its offering in the months and years ahead.
