Last year was a positive year for tourism, the head of Visit Isle of Wight has revealed and while he fears 2023 may be more challenging, research suggests it could be positive.
Speaking at an Isle of Wight council committee last week, the director of the tourism organisation, Will Myles, gave an update to councillors.
Forecasts
Mr Myles said it is forecast 35.1 million tourists will visit the UK from abroad this year — fewer than in 2019, when 40.9 million made the trip.
No data was gathered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Myles: Actual research is quite positive and buoyant
He told the policy and scrutiny committee for neighbourhoods and regeneration the Island usually gets around six per cent of the total number of tourists travelling to the UK.
Mr Myles said,
“While I feel 2023 will be a tough, challenging year for tourism, the actual research is quite positive and buoyant.”
Number of British people enjoying overnight visits is likely to increase
He shared data from Visit Britain, which shows the number of British people enjoying overnight visits is likely to increase, especially between January and March, when 19 per cent more people say they plan to travel.
Meanwhile, the tourism management organisation’s autumn advertisement campaign, asked visitors to ‘say yes to the Isle of Wight’.
Stats on the ads
In August and September, the adverts were watched 68.5 million times.
The adverts also led to 84,635 clicks for the Visit Isle of Wight Website.
Mr Myles said it was positive, but the team was looking at how it could do even better.
Meanwhile, a television advert about the Isle of Wight debuted on Boxing Day.
Ward: Thought ad was for a Venezuelan island
Committee member, Cllr Ian Ward, on seeing the advert, said he thought it was for a Venezuelan island.
Mr Myles said it was there to challenge perceptions of the Isle of Wight and show that it is a great place to visit and not stuck in the 1950s.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
