Visit Isle of Wight Chief Executive, David Thornton – the longest serving head of IW tourism in the last thirty years – has resigned from the post and will leave the organisation in January 2018.
David joined the newly-formed Destination Management Organisation in October 2012 and has ‘put his all’ into the role over the last five years, building a strong team of people around him and delivering interesting and exciting tourism initiatives.
In the face of much criticism, he oversaw the Wight-BID process, which has secured future sustainable funding for the tourist industry.
The news of David’s resignation comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the 2018 advertising campaign, which will turn the focus to families.
David said,
“With the completion of plans for the 2018 season, I decided this was the right time to step down to pursue new projects and activities. My wife and I have no plans to leave the Island, this is our home, and we have many friends here.
“It has been a great privilege to lead Visit Isle of Wight, I passionately believe in the work of the organisation and its talented and hardworking team. As for me, I still have a long list of things I want to achieve in my life, and whilst this was a really difficult decision to make, I’m looking forward to creating new adventures and opportunities.”
Strong legacy
Simon Dabell said,
“On behalf of the board, I would like to express my sincere thanks to David. His legacy is a strong destination partnership, a professional team delivering award winning results, and some highly innovative and creative campaigns over the years. We wish David all the very best for the future.”
Staying on the Island
Coming to the Island from the Peak District, David had been a regular visitor to the Isle of Wight for over 40 years and says that despite his resignation, he and his wife do not intend to leave the Island.
Here at OnTheWight we’ll be sad to see David leave the Visit Isle of Wight team. Our experience of him has been positive throughout the five years as we’ve seen someone totally committed to boosting tourism on the Island.
Whatever you do next David, we wish you well!
Article edit
Comment from DT and SB added.
Source: IWCP
