Significant change is underway at Visit Isle of Wight with Chair David Curtis-Brignell MBE resigning with immediate effect, just days before a newly elected board is set to take the reins of the Island’s destination marketing body.
Mr Curtis-Brignell, who took up the 1-day-a-week post in November 2023 at a rate of £10,000 per annum, has stepped down after a year marked by mounting scrutiny of the organisation’s governance and performance amid a wider slump in the Island’s visitor economy.
The announcement comes just a week after 12 new directors were elected by Visit Isle of Wight members following long-overdue elections, with the results due to be formally ratified at a general meeting next week.
The fresh board, which includes leading figures from across the Island’s tourism and leisure sectors, marks what has been described as a ‘new era’ for the organisation after years of concern about transparency, communication and direction.
In a statement issued today (Thursday), Visit Isle of Wight has said:
“It is with regret that Visit Isle of Wight Ltd announces that the Chair of the organisation, David Curtis-Brignell MBE, has resigned his position with immediate effect.
“David has been in position since November 2023 and brought a large amount of national tourism and visitor economy knowledge and experience gained throughout his career with the English Tourist Board, Visit Kent, Visit Hertfordshire and Visit Isle of Man, in addition to senior roles in international hotel companies.
“The team at Visit Isle of Wight would like to thank David for his time and for his support.
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“The Vice-Chair of the organisation will take over the responsibilities temporarily, supporting the Managing Director and the operational team until the newly elected Board Directors meet and agree a way forward in relation to the Chair’s replacement.
Earlier this year Island Echo reported that the Isle of Wight’s visitor numbers had continued to fall — with ferry reliability, cost pressures and changing family travel habits all cited as contributing factors. Calls have been growing from tourism operators for stronger leadership and more effective off-Island marketing.
Visit Isle of Wight has said that its promotional work will continue, uninterrupted, targeting existing and potential visitors to make the Island their destination of choice for 2025, 2026 and beyond.
However, industry observers suggest that the coming weeks could bring further change as the newly elected board looks to rebuild confidence and redefine the Island’s tourism strategy.
£10,000.00 for 1 day a week ain’t bad.
So the Chsir resigns works 52 days in a new and get pays £10,000
So tourism is down again this year and I’m expected to pay £150 for this wightbid to continue to so call promote the island. When the council does sod all to make the Island desirable to visit. Hi parking charges and now doubt it will go up again in 2026. Roads are still bad. Loads of road closures, all towns showing massive decay, over flowing bins
Limited access or not enough public toilets County town still loads of empty shops. Not appealing at all. Then the biggest pirates the ferry companies still the prices go up and the service is shit. The Govenment don’t want to know. Its a complete joke the whole thing I can’t even afford the staff to help Run my business due to the minimum wage going up and national insurance contributions as well. Don’t get me started on pavement tax pavement maintenance payments and all the other utilities want their pound of flesh
Roads are bad because many of Island Roads
vehicles spend more time parked up with operatives
sitting inside the vehicles than carrying out any work.
Bring back private companies to carry out the repairs,
this lot are being paid money for nothing!
all inclusive holiday deals & guaranteed sunshine for a fortnight in the Canaries versus paying for the Isle of Wight ferry & accommodation & you can see the winner. It’s cheaper to get on a plane with all the family than pay extortionate charges over here I’m sad to say
Most expensive water crossing in the world
per mile.
The solent is paved with gold.
Lol
Oh goodie, a ‘NEW ERA’ for tourism… similar to the last ‘new era’ and the one before.. When this group of ‘chancers’ were first mooted it was a large problem for many of us who couldn’t see the benefit, and I am glad to see that we were right. There have been fall outs, rumours and accusations, not to mention plenty of puff pieces to keep the gullible on side. BUT, we have seen nothing to help with tourist numbers, we are in the middle of the perfect storm for tourists, massive transport costs, seaside hotels mostly gone, no big attractions, and no seaside infrastructure to attract day trippers,(if they can afford the ferries). We DO have the views, the walks, a load of history and a pretty idyllic village atmosphere, nothing that can be improved by any group of individuals, but can be destroyed by developers and bad decisions. SO, let’s see if this ‘new era’ does anything more than cost us money and make excuses.
Since the last election and the last budget so many
families are being squeezed for every penny,
hence lack of tourists, not to mention the islands
expensive ferry fares, expensive public toilet charges
and overnight parking charges of £2.00
Have you tried not being poor?
With this current Government everyone will be
poor.
Who?
Imagine the tourist trade if there was a tunnel… and how many new business’ would start up !! Islanders could day trip to mainland easily too, plus no lime limit to return..could go watch some shows, shopping, at own leisure, not timed due to ferries..but sadly the council does not want a tunnel.. I ask self why…?? Island needs tourists..
You are spot on.
It would be a plus for island businesses and businesses in
Hampshire plus many other counties.
It would make it more accessible and affordable
for islanders to travel to work on the mainland.
It would be a win win situation for everyone.
Yes, the Island needs tourists but your post just wants Islanders to get off the Island easier to go shopping and see shows. How the hell does that help the Island economy? Clue; it doesn’t!
The island would benefit from more tourists
and so would Hampshire etc