The Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Wight, David Thornton, is set to deliver a major presentation to the recently launched Island Business Forum setting out the tourism promotion organisation’s strategies to attract more visitors to the Island and to discuss ways in which businesses across the Island can join in and do their own bit to boost the tourist economy.
The Forum was launched by Cllr Wayne Whittle of Ryde to be a platform to enable businesses to come together, to discuss issues of common concern, to find solutions to challenges they face, and to work together to promote the Island economy.
Speaking yesterday, Cllr Whittle said:
“The Visit Isle of Wight Destination Marketing Organisation is a key player in the drive to boost our Island economy, but there is a role for each and every business on the Island. We’re delighted that David Thornton will be contributing to our next meeting.”
David Thornton added:
“I’m looking forward to meeting the IBF and understanding more about their organisation. The DMO is keen to work with every organisation and company which recognises that growth and development on an Island wide scale comes through everyone working together.”
The meeting will also be attended by Island MP, Andrew Turner, who has backed the project enthusiastically.
The Agenda for the meeting also proposes that the Forum should now elect its own Chairman and Vice Chairman from among its members and provides for a discussion with Cllr Jonathan Bacon who leads for the Independent Group on the Isle of Wight Council in such areas as planning consents and the Temporary Trading review.
A new website for the Forum, which Cllr Whittle describes as “really professional”, is on the brink of being launched by the leading Island agency, Solent, run by Tim Addison. The Forum has taken to twitter as @IW_Business with the hashtag #IBF.
The meeting will be held on Friday 7th February at 10:30 at The Riverside Centre, Newport and it’s “full steam ahead” with this innovative.
Businesses wishing to attend should contact Cllr Wayne Whittle: [email protected] or Andrew Turner MP: [email protected].
