“This is a fresh start, one we are approaching positively, and with a clear sense of purpose: get Island tourism thriving once more” – those are the words from the new Visit Isle of Wight board following the resignation of Managing Director Will Myles yesterday (Thursday).
As previously reported by Island Echo, Myles resigned from his post on Thursday after 7 years in the role – just days after it was revealed that summer tourism figures dropped once again last year.
With the recent election of 12 new Directors, all of whom are from Island tourism businesses, Visit Isle of Wight is entering a new chapter. One defined by openness, accountability and meaningful collaboration with the Island’s visitor economy.
The Board is now moving forward with confidence as part of a wider reset designed to strengthen governance, rebuild trust and deliver greater value for BID levy payers.
A spokesperson for the new Board said:
“We understand that recent events have raised questions about the direction of Visit Isle of Wight. The changes taking place now – both within the Board and across the organisation – mark the start of a new era. We are committed to rebuilding confidence, restoring strong governance standards and ensuring that Visit Isle of Wight delivers measurable value for every levy-paying business.”
The Board also reiterated the steps already underway to ensure rapid and lasting improvement:
Strengthened Governance and Independent Review
The Board continues its urgent work to understand where previous processes fell short. This includes a strengthened governance review designed to ensure that the issues of the past cannot be repeated. This work is already progressing and will continue in the days ahead.
Comprehensive Review of Marketing Spend and Strategy
To guarantee the best return for levy payers, the Board is conducting a full review of marketing activity; past, current and planned. The aim is to ensure that every investment is transparent, accountable and focused on supporting the Island’s visitor economy.
Launch of Regular Members’ Meetings
A programme of regular members’ meetings will be introduced, giving levy payers direct access to updates, decision-making and opportunities to shape future priorities.
Encouraging BID Levy Payers to Become Members
The Board is urging all BID levy payers to formally register as members. Being a levy payer does not provide automatic membership; this separate step ensures businesses can attend meetings, vote and have a meaningful voice in the direction of the organisation.
The spokesperson added:
“This transition presents a genuine opportunity. We now have a Board committed to transparency, a renewed focus on best value for levy payers, and a shared determination to build an organisation the Island can have confidence in. This is a fresh start, one we are approaching positively, and with a clear sense of purpose: get Island tourism thriving once more.”
After the latest Budget the majority of people will have less spending money so unless the ferry fares are greatly reduced what can you do to increase tourism?
After all that management speak, I don’t know what they are going to do to attract visitors to the Island, I understand that the levy payers have no choice but to pay, so I would have thought they are automatically members as registered payers. What is being asked for, another fee to “become a member”?
levy payers should get a few years advertising’s free, everything they are now going to do, they should have been doing before, which they weren’t so they should not have to pay.
Great news, start with tidying up the hotels in Sandown and the cost of ferry travel. Tourists vote with their feet.
And they don’t come back. And they spread the word.
If the parking fees were reduced this would encourage more people to stay at the resorts longer during the day and come back in the evenings.Far too expensive for families.
so, they weren’t transparent before – perhaps they need investigating as to what they have done with the money
Ask any airline pilot that flies over the iow what a gem then island looks it should sell itself let’s hope that the people that chose the iow flag have nothing to do with the tourist board
Yet more blather to justify their jobs & not to attract visitors here. It’s just futile while prices in hospitality are so high & ferry prices are crazy. No mention of the island in the budget. Oh well, things will go on as usual & numbers will drop regardless. Services will be cut so just brace yourself
Woolwich have the right idea, a FREE ferry.
Cheaper ferry fares and no 50p toilet charges and £2
nightly parking charges would be a great start.
Plus tidy up derelict hotels and buildings.
We should all vote against the levy when it comes up for renewal next year,it has been a rip of from day one .Remember the first chief execs wife stealing the hard earned cash we all paid in.Since then year on year numbers have gone down.Things will never improve its cheaper to go abroad