Isle of Wight tourism visit by culture minister Oliver Dowden

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport met Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely and tourism boss Will Myles.

Oliver Dowden visited Cowes, to see how it will play a part in the roll-out of 5G when it will streams of racing during Cowes Week in August.

Mr Dowden met with the MD at Visit Isle of Wight, Will Myles, to discuss the importance of the tourism sector to the Island.

The Isle of Wight is bursting with options for great days out or heading off on that summer staycation.

It was fantastic to check out some of the Island’s brilliant tourism and cultural opportunities with @IoWBobSeely yesterday, from Cowes to Castlehaven, to Tapnell Farm Park. pic.twitter.com/NLQY0no9RI

— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) June 25, 2021

Piloting the Red Jet (photo: Jake Johnstone)

Mr Myles said: “Tourism is such an important industry for the Isle of Wight and the businesses operating here, so it was great to have the Secretary of State with us to see first-hand what we do and how accomplished the Island is within the Tourism and Hospitality sector.”

Visiting award winning Tapnell Farm in Yarmouth, Mr Dowden was impressed at the standard of tourism on the Island – even taking the Go-Karts for a test drive with Tapnell Farm Park owner Tom Turney during the visit.

Mr Dowden said: “Tapnell is a great example of a modern tourism attraction offering outdoor experiences and education all in an eco-friendly setting.

“The Isle of Wight is a UK destination with a great tourism offer, and from what I have seen today, it’s clearly a popular destination for people of all ages.”

Will Myles, Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight, spent time discussing the issues that are currently facing the Tourism and Hospitality industry on the Island, as well as wider issues around the national review of DMO’s and tourism marketing funding.

However, as the tourism and hospitality industry struggles to deal with the challenges of Covid-19, some Islanders have criticised the schedule for including a more diverse range of businesses and underfunded areas of the Isle of Wight.

Oliver Dowden said: “I fully understand the challenges the sector has faced over the last year and am highly supportive of the Tourism and Hospitality industry on the Island and further afield at present.

“I firmly believe and hope that with the strong and innovative tourism products that you have on the Island, and the passion shown by those involved, you will have a busy and profitable season.”

Tapnell Farm go-kart. Photo by Jake Johnstone.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said he was looking forward to working with the Secretary of State to further develop the tourism offer here.

"Tourism on the Isle of Wight has an economic impact of nearly half a billion pounds and is one of the major employers here, with visitors spending over £330 million each year,” he said.

“I will endeavor to work with Mr Dowden to support the Island Tourism and Hospitality industry now and in the future, aiding the great efforts already in place here on the Isle of Wight.

"Right now, the hospitality sector needs our support, not just on the Island, but nationwide.

"Together with Visit Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight Council, Visit Britain and Mr Dowden we look to support and promote this sector as a great industry to start a successful career."

Visit Isle of Wight says it is currently working to address the staffing shortages in the hospitality sector.

Will Myles said: “I ensured Mr Dowden understood the importance of the visitor economy on the Island, and the issues that it was facing in both the short and longer term including current staffing shortages.

"He was very well briefed and has even been here previously with his family as a tourist.

"It is visits like this that gets our message straight to the heart of government.”

Will Myles concluded: “Thanks to everyone involved in this visit, Mr Dowden left with a very positive grasp of what we do here - sent off with a basket of Wight Marque Island produce and Garlic Farm items to enjoy.

"He was very appreciative.”