The Isle of Wight has been a staycation destination hot spot for decades. In 2019, for example, there was a 19% rise in tourism levels for the year, with Visit IoW reporting that holidays made up 45% of all trips to the islands. Most peaks are followed by troughs, and our Isle was no different, but the stats suggest this is coming to an end now that 50% of hotel rooms are accounted for in the South East.
Like all tourist destinations, our community has to balance the desire to boost the economy while maintaining the culture that makes us unique. Hitting this target is challenging, yet it isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Pivot to iGaming
Wight doesn’t have a physical casino. The nearest is Portsmouth, which is a long journey if you only want to play poker or blackjack and return home. Of course, a casino can be healthy for the economy as it encourages people to spend money. It creates job opportunities for people in the area, too.
Reports suggest that a land-based establishment won’t be erected anytime soon, yet that doesn’t mean the Isle of Wight can’t have its cake and eat it. By pivoting towards iGaming services such as online casinos and betting companies, the region could benefit from a steady stream of money flowing onto the island’s shores. Seeing as the UK industry is valued at a couple of billion pounds, a small slice equals significant revenues.
The demand in the British Isles is high since Statista revealed there are an estimated 36 million internet gambling accounts. Operators reflect the sector’s popularity through the number of offerings available. Mr Green is an example of a leading brand in Ireland and the rest of Europe, offering games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and slots. Its services use world-famous TV shows to Hollywood blockbusters and top musicians as themes to make games more appealing, too. If a renowned provider had its HQ here, it would be a win-win for everyone. The revenues generated through taxes would be considerable, but people wouldn’t have to travel to the Isle of Wight in their droves to sample the experience, making the island less cluttered.
Follow Glastonbury’s Lead
The Isle of Wight Festival is a major event on the music calendar. However, there isn’t a British festival that can compete with Glastonbury. The sheer size and scale of the crowd, as well as Glasto’s reputation, is unrivalled in Britain.
So, when the Eavises decided to take a year off, Wight should have been watching with bated breath. Firstly, if the biggest festival in Britain can do it, then any music festival can, including ours. Secondly, Glastonbury has proven the strategy is better for everyone involved, from the community to the environment and the visitors, as this NME article highlights. Finally, holding three shows every four years ensures the island gets a break from the influx of tourists without losing out in the long term. Customers will need transport, accommodation and food, just 75% of the time.
Another consideration is the demographics. Travellers to the Isle of Wight are typically young adults because of the lure of the entertainment. Take it away and they’ll have a reason to have a sabbatical.
The residents of the Isle of Wight need a holiday from the features that high levels of tourism bring. Hopefully, our prayers will be answered in the not-so-distant future.
