The Isle of Wight has narrowly missed out on being crowned Most Desirable Island in Europe in the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
The ceremony last night at The Tate Modern hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, saw the Isle of Wight face tough competition from 23 other island destinations including Orkney, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Tenerife.
After a voting competition which saw 3.6million votes cast across a number of categories, the title of ‘Most Desirable Island in Europe’ went to Malta.
Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight said:
‘Congratulations to the winners of the Wanderlust Most Desirable Island in Europe award and we’d like to thank everyone who voted for the Isle of Wight.
“To have been nominated, standing side-by-side with some of the best islands in Europe, was in itself a fantastic achievement, recognising the Isle of Wight as truly one of the best.
“While the Isle of Wight may not have come top this time around, we know that the Island continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who have visited and for those yet to make their first short trip across the water, we can’t welcome you to these shores and show what all the fuss is about!’
Wanderlust is the UK’s leading travel magazine and is available in over 70 countries, with a website that attracts over 12 million visitors a year, with over 180 000 social media followers. The magazine is particularly focused on sustainable travel, one of the key themes of Visit Isle of Wight, as well as producing articles that cover authentic experiences that include nature, wildlife, culture and history.
Why am I not surprised?
Narrowly missed out, did the IOW come second????? 24 islands involved the term narrowly missing out is not correct maybe IOW finished in top 24 would be correct title lol
Great news.
I am pleased IW lost.
You cannot charge the most expensive Ferry fares in the world,
charge 50p to use toilets and charge 24/7 364 days a year parking
charges and expect to win awards.
Yet alone mention the state of Sandown and the old gym
outside Ryde St John’s Railway Station, the paints been
flaking off for years, such an eyesore.
Obviously other islands have been looked after more, perhaps our council should learn the difference in tourism and building new homes and shopping outlets
IW Council are clueless when it comes to
Tourism.
Charging 50p to use toilets
Letting Ferry Companies get away with charging the
most expensive Ferry fares in the world and
charging motorists 24/7 364 days a year parking
charges is hardly a plus for tourism, ain’t no good
for Islanders either.
Narrowly missed out to whom – Beirut? If only the judges hadn’t of stayed in Sandown. Must of been a tough call between all those beautiful adratic resorts in this diseased testicle hanging off the south coast.