Following the launch this morning of the Better Ferry Campaign, OnTheWight got in touch with David Thornton, CEO of Visit Isle of Wight, to ask for his view on the Campaign.
Campaigners asked to remove launch video
The launch video for the Campaign features several business owners, as well as one of the Isle of Wight’s tourism ambassadors and the Head of Ryde School, setting out their views of the services provided by the ferry companies.
David explained to OnTheWight,
“We have asked the CIC to remove their video from the Internet because we believe that it may put off tourists from visiting the Island this year, especially during this very important booking period when many forthcoming summer holidays are purchased from Holiday parks and other accommodation providers.”
“Neither our MP, Andrew Turner, who appears to be championing this campaign, or the owner of the Priory Bay, Andrew Palmer who features in the video, have responded yet.”
Provocative comment from tourism ambassador
Readers who have seen the video will recall that it features one of Visit IW’s tourism ambassadors, Mark King. He is filmed questioning if visitors would make the choice of taking the ferry to the Island, perhaps selecting somewhere else on the Mainland instead.
Several OnTheWight readers have, over the last few days, pointed out that this type of comment could damage tourism businesses on the Island, including some of those featured in the video.
David Thornton: “Best of luck”
Aside from advising us about his request for the Campaign video to be removed, David also told us,
“Visit Isle of Wight Ltd has read of the plans announced by a group of Island Businesses to set up a CIC and purchase Wightlink.
“We have not been told that Wightlink is for sale, but if it is, then we wish the CIC the best of luck with their negotiations.”
Facebook reaction
Several readers from Facebook have also reacted to the news.
