You can learn more about the proposed future for the Island’s tourism industry by reading the full DBID proposal document, which is available on-line now.
The WIGHT BID will be funded through a levy that is raised from visitor economy businesses and invested in a five year plan governed by the businesses that contribute. The WIGHT BID will be managed by Visit Isle of Wight in partnership with the BID levy payers. A postal ballot which will take place from June 14th until July 12th.
The document sets out the aims of the WIGHT BID over the course of the 5 year term, which include:
Increasing visits to the Island by 370,000 over the lifetime of the BID.
Growing the tourism economy by £60 million over the lifetime of the BID from £264million per year to £324million per year.
Increasing the average length of stay (currently 3.5 days).
Encouraging more visitor travel across the Island to find our ‘hidden gems’.
The plan also sets out key themes for the future of the industry as well as budgets, business engagement and benefits for levy payers.
Kevin Smith – Chief Executive, Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce says:
“The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce very much supports the WIGHT BID proposal as this will provide ongoing marketing and promotional activity for the next five years that will enable the Isle of Wight to encourage and attract more visitors which will help us to grow this very important industry sector of the island’s economy.”
Simon Dabell – Chair of Visit Isle of Wight says:
“The Isle of Wight is blessed with characteristics that make it one of the loveliest places in the UK to holiday, and Visit Isle of Wight has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the Island as one of the UK’s premier holiday destinations. Since our formation in 2012 we have seen a significant rise in first time visitors and improvements in the length of stay. Visitors are spending more on the Island than at any time previously, and over £8million of positive press and media coverage has spread our message much further than ever before.
“The WIGHT BID offers us all the opportunity to continue driving that success within a new democratic structure, accountable to the industry and supported by all. By standing shoulder to shoulder, we can create a sustainable future for our Island visitor economy and I urge you to vote yes in the ballot.”
You can read or download the document here
