ISLE of Wight tourism has a new man at the helm.
David Thornton has been appointed chief executive of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, a new tourist board to promote the Island as a world-class holiday destination.
Mr Thornton, who has 25 years marketing experience, has been appointed after four years as head of marketing for Visit Peak District and Derbyshire.
He has worked for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers as well as successfully running his own marketing agency and providing services to Merlin Entertainments and others.
In a statement issued today, he said: "Visit Isle of Wight’s priority is to continue to build on our rightful position as a leading visitor destination.
"While there are many challenges ahead of us, we will succeed if we all work together.
"As a regular Island visitor for over 40 years, I now look forward to serving the inspirational places and people that have provided me with such rewarding holidays in the past."
The new so-called Destination Management Organisation (DMO) is led by the private sector and supported by £3 million of IW Council funding over nine years.
Its formation has been led by a steering group comprising the council, the IW Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, Wightlink, Red Funnel and Vectis Ventures, following consultation with businesses.
James Berresford, head of England’s tourism marketing body, Visit England, said: "The launch of a DMO on the IW is an exciting and impressive move which we at Visit England applaud and will do all we can to support.
"We have worked with your new chief executive in his previous role and look forward to working with him to develop a destination of distinction that can bring economic benefit to everyone who lives and works on the Island."
Mr Thornton will start on Monday, October 8, joining Liz Walker, Jill Harlow and Oliver Whitehurst.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk