The decision as to whether Isle of Wight tourism-related businesses will support the proposal to create an Isle of Wight Business Improvement District (WightBID) will be known by 11am on Wednesday next week (13th July).
If more than 50% of businesses taking part in the ballot vote ‘Yes’ to the WightBID, Visit Isle of Wight will be able to use the levy rates paid to continue to market the Island to potential holidaymakers, as well as making improvements locally (thereby tempting more people to visit), organise annual events and support the rate-paying businesses – which in turn will support many other businesses on the Isle of Wight.
Competitors go ahead with their BID
Just last week, one of the Island’s biggest competitors, the English Rivera, voted ‘Yes’ for their BID, with a turnout of 58%.
The ‘Yes’ BID means that tourist destination, Torbay, will now see more than £3m (over five years) being available to promote the area and attract new visitors from the Island’s catchment area.
This latest video from Visit Isle of Wight explains more about the WightBID to help with your decision-making.
Vital you return your ballot
Time is running out to vote on the Isle of Wight. If you haven’t returned your ballot paper for the WightBID yet, please do so ASAP.
If you have lost your ballot paper, please contact Chris Matthews, the Council’s returning officer straight away. He can be reached by email on [email protected]
To be on the safe side, votes should go in the post box no later than Friday (8th July) to be sure they get included. If delivered by hand, votes can be given to the Isle of Wight Council up until Tuesday (12th July) afternoon.
