Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) has announced that Will Myles has resigned as Managing Director of the organisation.
The organisation confirmed his departure in a statement that said,
“Will Myles has resigned as Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight.”
New Board elected
Just weeks ago VIOW concluded elections for its Board of Directors.
The newly elected Board represents a broad range of tourism-sector businesses – from hotels and attractions to holiday parks and rail heritage – signalling a shift towards stronger business-industry representation in governance.
Myles’s tenure and contribution
Will Myles took up the post in 2018. During his time in charge he guided VIOW through the Covid-19 Pandemic and oversaw the process that gained recognition for the organisation as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership with VisitEngland.
VIOW’s Board of Directors expressed their gratitude for his work. They said they will begin the process of recruiting a new leader for the Island’s destination marketing organisation.
Visitor numbers dip
Recent data show the Island suffered a decline in visitor numbers over the summer of 2025 compared to 2024.
The reduction in visitors adds to the pressures on tourism on the Island, which could influence the direction and priorities for VIOW under its next leadership.
What this means for the Island’s tourism body
With both a change in leadership and a refreshed Board, VIOW faces a pivotal moment.
Stakeholders will expect the new management to respond to the recent dip in visitor numbers and navigate the challenges confronting the Island’s tourism economy.
The soon-to-begin search for a new Managing Director will likely be closely watched by local businesses, communities and holiday providers.
VIOW: “The start of a new era”
A spokesperson for the new Board said,
“We understand that recent events have raised questions about the direction of Visit Isle of Wight. The changes taking place now – both within the Board and across the organisation – mark the start of a new era.
“We are committed to rebuilding confidence, restoring strong governance standards and ensuring that Visit Isle of Wight delivers measurable value for every levy-paying business.”
The Board also reiterated the steps already underway to ensure rapid and lasting improvement:
1. Strengthened Governance and Independent Review
The Board continues its urgent work to understand where previous processes fell short. This includes a strengthened governance review designed to ensure that the issues of the past cannot be repeated. This work is already progressing and will continue in the days ahead.
2. Comprehensive Review of Marketing Spend and Strategy
To guarantee the best return for levy payers, the Board is conducting a full review of marketing activity; past, current and planned. The aim is to ensure that every investment is transparent, accountable and focused on supporting the Island’s visitor economy.
3. Launch of Regular Members’ Meetings
A programme of regular members’ meetings will be introduced, giving levy payers direct access to updates, decision-making and opportunities to shape future priorities.
4. Encouraging BID Levy Payers to Become Members
The Board is urging all BID levy payers to formally register as members. Being a levy payer does not provide automatic membership; this separate step ensures businesses can attend meetings, vote and have a meaningful voice in the direction of the organisation.
The spokesperson added,
“This transition presents a genuine opportunity.
“We now have a Board committed to transparency, a renewed focus on best value for levy payers, and a shared determination to build an organisation the Island can have confidence in.
“This is a fresh start, one we are approaching positively, and with a clear sense of purpose: get Island tourism thriving once more.”
Article update
6.20pm 27th Nov 2025 – VIOW comment added
