This in from Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
Visit Isle of Wight and Taste of the Wight are working with Island MP, Andrew Turner, to hold a special event in the Houses of Parliament this September to celebrate the Island and raise its profile.
The event follows the huge success of the first Isle of Wight Day which was held in the Palace of Westminster last October.
Isle of Wight Day at Westminster
The second Isle of Wight Day at Westminster, which will be held on 2nd September, will give a selection of Island businesses a chance to market and promote themselves to a wide audience of travel and food media, key food buyers, business investors and MPs.
Andrew Turner MP will welcome assembled guests and Lady Penny Cobham, Chairman of Visit England will declare the “Taste of the Isle of Wight” experience open.
Cllr Ian Stephens, Leader of the IW Council, will talk about the Council’s key role in tourism and the importance of working alongside the private sector to deliver destination services.
A pop-up garden
Visit Isle of Wight will create a pop-up garden to illustrate the Island’s Garden Isle appeal, while food and drink, inspired by the finest Isle of Wight ingredients, will be served throughout the day.
David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight said:
“Tourism is worth over £500M to the Island’s economy and represents almost 30% of the employment on Island.
“Wightminster” provides us with an annual opportunity to re-connect with partners and supporters and remind everyone of the importance tourism plays in the Island’s economy and its future prospects.”
‘Wight Marque’ members on show
Also at Westminster there will be a number of products from Solent’s Wight Marque members on display.
David Brooks, Sales Director at Solent said:
“Taste of the Wight is becoming an important part of the Isle of Wight’s marketing programme and we’re delighted that there will be more than a hundred products on display from the Island to enjoy.
“From apricots and cherries to sweetcorn and garlic and award-winning favourites such as Minghella Ice Cream and IW Blue Cheese. There will be a special showcase for Isle of Wight drinks with some treats from our local brewers, as well as wines and ciders and one or two more surprising tipples to try.”
Turner: “Great feedback about previous event”
Andrew Turner added,
“I was really proud of what we achieved with our first Isle of Wight Day – and the plans for this year are on track to top that. I had great feedback about the event and I know that many useful contacts were made leading to new business for Island companies. It’s a lot of hard work for everybody involved but I’m very much looking forward to the event.”
