The Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) exhibitions group is flying the flag for tourism by participating in a range of UK and overseas holiday exhibitions.
These shows which comprise of exhibitors from destinations, attractions, entertainment, accommodations and places to eat, attract thousands of visitors all looking for information and inspirational ideas for future trips and group travel itineraries.
In January, a team from the Island attended Vakantiebeurs – the largest tourism and recreational fair in the Netherlands, which provides opportunities for all tourism-related industries from around the world and the general public to meet travel operators, hoteliers, and transport operators, to conduct business and develop worldwide networks.
Tom Ransom, Visit Isle of Wight’s Sustainable Transport Marketing Executive who attended the Vakantiebuers had this to say:
“Cycle tourism is red hot just now with virtually every stand sporting photos of active over 50’s enjoying a bike ride in beautiful scenery. With our “No. 1 world’s cycle route” accolade from Lonely Planet, we are well poised to gain from this growing trend in cycle holidays”. Tom will be attending the Outdoor Show and London Bike Show to drum up even more interest in “Bicycle Island”.
The 2014 programme continues with Excursions at the Alexandra Place, Destinations at Earls Court, the 50+ Show in Manchester, the Best of Britain & Ireland (BOBI) and the BBC Gardeners World & Good Food Shows in Birmingham. The group will also be promoting the Island as the tourist destination of choice at several UK leisure fairs organised by Tourism South East.
As the person who represents VIOW at the various shows, Liz Walker the tourism development manager said:
“With so many potential trade and consumers concentrated in one place, these exhibitions are the perfect opportunity to convert and inspire new visitors and ensure that travel operators continue to see us as an integral part of their offer.
Article continues below this advertisement “Some exhibitions such as the BBC Gardeners World enable us to showcase the Isle of Wight with flair as in 2013 when one of the Island’s top chefs cooked local produce live on the main stage. This year we plan a stunning garden and landscapes theme as well as better graphics and an excellent new brochure”.
David Thornton, Chief Executive, VIOW said:
“Exhibitions continue to be an extremely important part of the marketing mix when targeting the travel trade industry. They provide the opportunity to develop new contacts, meet potential customers face to face and understand visitor requirements.
“From walking holidays and yoga retreats to sailing schools and music festivals, they allow us to promote the wide variety of attractions and experiences the Island has to offer and attract a bigger share of the UK and overseas markets”.
The current VIOW exhibitions group, which meets several times a year to discuss the programme and provide feedback are Holdsworth Hotels, Isle of Wight Pearl, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Dinosaur Isle, English Heritage, Hovertravel, Isle of Wight Council, Needles Park, Red Funnel, Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Southern Vectis Ventures Ltd and Wightlink.
Tourism industry members interested in joining the exhibitions partnership should e-mail [email protected]
