A new era is dawning for Visit Isle of Wight as a fresh Board of Directors, made up of leading figures from across the local tourism industry, has been elected following long-overdue elections.
The move marks a significant turning point for the organisation responsible for promoting the Isle of Wight as a visitor destination, following months of uncertainty and concerns about the effectiveness of its leadership amid a challenging period for the local tourism economy.
It had recently come to light that scheduled elections for the Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) Board had not taken place as expected. That has now been rectified, with 12 new Directors set to be formally confirmed at a General Meeting on 14th November. The results have been independently verified by Tourism South East.
In total, 24 candidates stood for election, with 208 eligible businesses casting votes – representing 1,463 validated votes. Those elected include some of the Isle of Wight’s best-known tourism and leisure operators, signalling a shift towards greater local business representation within the organisation.
The 12 individuals put forward for confirmation are:
- Lawrence Bates – Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
- Laura Baxter – The Orchards Holiday Park
- Matthew Brooks – The Royal Hotel
- Derek Curtis – Amazon World
- Claire Davies – Parkdean Resorts
- Edward Day – Monkey Madness
- David Holmes – Garlic Festival Ltd
- Marc Morgan-Huws – Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- Lee Priddle – Robin Hill Partnership Ltd
- Nick Spyker – Sandringham Hotel
- Steven Wells – Luccombe Hall Hotel
- Dominic Wray – Blackgang Chine
The newly elected Board represents a broad cross-section of the Isle of Wight’s tourism sector – from hotels and attractions to events and parks – and is seen by many as a chance to inject renewed energy and vision into the body at a time when the Island’s visitor economy faces significant challenges.
Tourism on the Isle of Wight has been under increasing pressure, with declining visitor numbers and growing concern among businesses about connectivity and value-for-money travel.
Will Myles, Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight, who may well now be concerned for his future in the role, has said:
“I thank everyone who stood for election, those who cast their votes, and congratulate the 12 people who have gained the majority of votes.
“I am looking forward to the final process of confirmation at the General Members Meeting on 14th November, so that we can move forward with the new Board of Directors and continue the work of Visit Isle of Wight, marketing our wonderful Island in what is an increasingly difficult climate for tourism nationally and globally.”
With the results now in and a new Board poised to take the reins, many within the industry are anticipating change – and perhaps a fresh direction – for the organisation tasked with leading the Isle of Wight’s tourism strategy.
A bit lopsided with 25% of the 12 seat Board going to hotel people especially as the hotel business everywhere is on the back foot, with many closing or closed and set on fire.
MMH, the”Doc”, Mr Priddle and Mr Wray all know which way is up and one of that four should be the new CEO/M.D.
Good luck people.
Yes and one of those hotel people is the infamous Nick Spyker.
Such a great look for the board to appoint someone who has inflicted so many eye sores on us, all around the Island.
I expect the Royal York Hotel in Ryde and his various other bomb sites in Sandown to feature prominently in future campaigns.
Isn’t it just dismal.
Only on the once popular Isle of Wight.
Tourism on the island is poor.
To charge such extortionate Ferry fares,
extortionate public toilet charges and
nightly parking charges of £2
KEEPS TOURISTS AWAY.
Another hopeless attempt to get people to visit here, no one will come here, Sandown is a tip, Ventnor is finished as a town, Shanklin isn’t much better. Only Ryde is any good, and that’s only because it has a decent beach and shops, Newport, well less said about the closed shops the better really. Oh and if you are coming over here on the rip off ferries with a car, don’t, all the roads are closing up causing chaos anyway. A real recipe for success, NOT!
Spyker? The cuckoo in the. nest