Visit Isle of Wight has made moves to reassure levy payers and the wider Island economy, as new Chief Executive Dominic Wray sets out plans for a ‘new chapter’ focused on engagement, accountability and demonstrable value.
It can be revealed today (Friday) that Dominic, who previously headed up Blackgang Chine, one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions, has this week taken on the leadership role at a pivotal time for the organisation. It follows the resignation of Will Myles.
In a letter issued to levy payers yesterday, Dominic – who also sits on the Board for the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce – acknowledged the challenges facing the Isle of Wight’s visitor economy, including rising costs, changing visitor behaviour and ongoing concerns about declining visitor numbers and spending.
The new leader has made clear Visit Isle of Wight’s (VIOW) ambition to create a combined voice for the tourism sector, built on collaboration, accountability and a renewed focus on delivering measurable value to businesses across the Isle of Wight.
It has also been confirmed that Steve Wells, a proud Islander and well-known hotelier associated with Luccombe Hall and Luccombe Manor, has become the Vice Chair – and is currently stepping up as acting Chair, on a voluntary basis.
Their appointments follow a period of turbulence for Visit Isle of Wight, with questions raised over the value delivered through the Business Improvement District and concerns from some businesses who have felt disengaged from the BID.
But the new board, made up of top levy-paying business representatives and strategic partners, is looking to turn the ship around and instil real change.
Dominic Wray, Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Wight, has said:
“It’s been clear from the feedback I’ve heard so far that many levy-paying businesses have felt disengaged from the BID and uncertain about the value it delivers.
“Those concerns are understood, and addressing them is central to why the organisation is now entering a new phase.
“This is about earning confidence, not assuming it, and about building a BID that works for the businesses that fund it.
“I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months and hearing directly from you”.
Over the coming months, Visit Isle of Wight says it will prioritise listening and resetting how it works with levy payers. This will include direct engagement through sector-specific sessions with accommodation providers, attractions and hospitality businesses so that discussions are focused on real needs.
The Destination Management Organisation (DMO) has pledged more direct engagement with businesses, clearer priorities and more effective destination promotion. Communication, they say, will not be an issue going forward.
The message is clear…
Speaking to Island Echo at our offices in Ryde yesterday, Steve Wells, Vice Chair of Visit Isle of Wight, said:
“We want to engage, but this is a two-way street.
“Levy payers need to get involved – we want to know what you want.”
Dominic added that the focus now is on earning back confidence, rather than assuming it.
The new Visit Isle of Wight Board is made up of the following individuals, as well as strategic partners such as Wightlink, Red Funnel, Hovertravel, South Western Railway and Southern Vectis.
- 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
On the face of it this new Board has some capable members who have run businesses and I know two of them fairly well.
However, they represent what is commonly known as the “private sector” and have to set their alarms every morning, get up and go to work.
They have to listen to and deal with the other sector which is ably represented by the Isle of Wight Council, whose employees and Members are not pressured into such tiresome chores.
The employees can “ring in sick” – take “annual leave” or the “death of a relative” to take a couple of days off.
The Members can do nothing (and often do) other than mouth meaningless platitudes about Productivity and wave their nice, new lanyard.
Unfortunately, this state of affairs is not peculiar to the Island.
It is now so ingrained into the English psyche that it is much, much easier to lie in bed and watch day time tv AND get paid for it, than to get involved with stuff like “Work”.
To make matters worse for this Board, they also have to suffer the idiots at Island Roads (as we all do) and their “antics” have far worse repercussions as they appear to deliberately act the goat with their “lets close ALL the roads” protocol.
Cheaper ferry fares and also better quality and value
businesses.
I was at my sons a few weekends ago in the big smoke
and we went to a coffee shop in Kensington.
The coffee was better quality and cheaper than many
businesses serve up on the island.
The Isle of Wight is GREEDY!. I can remember back in
the 1960s and 70s when value was good.
How can a business that pays much less business
rates etc charge more than a business
in Kensington charge, who pays much more business
rates etc.
We all know it costs 10p to serve up a decent coffee
YES 10P
Stop being greedy and more people will visit.
Abolish the £2 nightly parking charges and stop
charging to use public conveniences.
I won’t mention how extortionate many attractions charge
to enter, that’s another story.
If I was on the mainland and had a choice of an holiday,
weekend away or day trip.
I would go elsewhere, much cheaper.