New tourism boss for Isle of Wight

By Martin Neville

Monday, September 10, 2012

 

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

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by alan naylor

11th September 2012, at 17:30:20

Your biggest problem David is there are so many retired people in the higher offices of main decsion making as too which way the island wants to point itself. From its enviroment to its economy these people do not rely on turisim at all and would rarther see a more peaceful island all year round if you can get the masons on your side you will be 9 10ths there good luck in you new appointment

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by Tim Leal

11th September 2012, at 10:27:17

I know of family and friends with young children who were thinking of coming to the Island for a holiday this year. But they were horrified by the high ferry prices and decided to go elsewhere. The ferry duopoly is your starting point when looking at reasons the tourist numbers are down this year.

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by Kevin Barclay-Jay

10th September 2012, at 19:42:14

you are welcome David,but don't go looking for talented, creative and brilliant people in this awful council we have...I think you will soon find they see you as competition rather than an asset

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by David Web

10th September 2012, at 17:37:42

OK fair enough David how about reinstating all the closed down Tourist Information centres that's for starters, then getting the ferry companies to reduce their inflated prices as this is putting more and more people of coming here.

PS hope your on a results based pay scheme

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by David Thornton

10th September 2012, at 15:20:21

Through the iwcp I extend an invitation to the talented, creative and brilliant people who live and work on this treasured isle to join us in putting the island back into the world's headlines as a premier destination of distinction. Whether you own an island web site, an attraction, an activity product, an accommodation business, a publication company, a cafe, a shop... Whether you are a musician, artist, banker, tourism professional, wildlife ranger or historic house guardian, we need to work together to be greater than the sum of our parts, and to secure the future this island richly deserves. I look forward to serving you.

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.