Visit Isle of Wight has been recognised for its work promoting the Island as a destination for group travel, receiving a top accolade at the Group Travel World Awards in London.
The event, held at The Presidents Hotel, celebrated the best in the group travel sector, with the Isle of Wight chosen as the winner by members of Group Travel World magazine. The publication is widely read by group travel organisers, coach operators, travel clubs and educational groups.
The award highlights the Isle of Wight’s appeal as a destination for organised group visits and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of local tourism businesses and partners to grow this important market.
Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight, has said:
“It was a real honour to collect this award, alongside Nick, on behalf of the Isle of Wight. Group travel is an important market for the island, and it provides the much-needed economic benefit during the extended seasons. My thanks to everyone that voted for the island, and to Group Travel World for recognising our collective efforts within this key sector.”
The Isle of Wight was shortlisted earlier in the year and competed against other destinations including Liverpool, Wiltshire, County Durham, Southend-on-Sea and Discover Newmarket.
Nick Weightman, Exhibitions, Trade and Sustainability Executive, has added:
“Visit Isle of Wight has continued to fly the flag for the island within the groups and travel trade market and this award is testament to the hard work of our industry colleagues on the island.
Article continues below this advertisement “Recently we’ve launched our new groups and trade guide, which offers new itineraries and up-to-date group information, and we plan to launch a new trade e-newsletter in the new year. I look forward to continuing to engage with off-island companies and group tour operators to provide the best experiences on the Isle of Wight.”
Visit Isle of Wight also coordinates the Exhibitions Partnership, working with the groups and travel trade sector in a joined-up approach to promote the Island. This award reflects the ongoing commitment of local tourism operators to welcoming group travel and driving year-round visitor interest.
This is very odd considering how Visit Isle of Wight has been portrayed as rather dysfunctional.
If it can win an award for being less than competent, they should sweep the board for awards with clever people like Brooks, Holmes, Priddle and others in control.
Best wishes TO the new board.