Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s new tourism management organisation, has appointed David Thornton to lead their operational team.
David brings 25 years of marketing expertise to the role and joins the team after four years as head of marketing for Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. He has worked for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers as well as successfully run his own marketing agency, providing services to Merlin Entertainments and others.
“A regular Island visitor for over 40 years”
David Thornton said “Visit Isle of Wight’s priority is to continue to build on our rightful position as a leading visitor destination. Whilst there are many challenges ahead of us, we will succeed if we all work together.
“As a regular Island visitor for over 40 years, I now look forward to serving the inspirational places and people that have provided me with such rewarding holidays in the past.”
James Berresford, head of England’s tourism marketing body, Visit England commented, “The launch of a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) on the Isle of Wight is an exciting and impressive move which we at Visit England applaud and will do all we can to support.
Developing a destination of distinction
“We have worked with your new CEO in his previous role and look forward to working with him to develop a destination of distinction that can bring economic benefit to everyone who lives and works on the Isle of Wight.”
Mr. Thornton commences in his new role on Monday 8th October, joining Liz Walker, Jill Harlow and Oliver Whitehurst. The DMO partners look forward to working with him in growing the Island’s visitor market and the wider Island economy.
Find out more about the Destination Management Organisation.
