Two major Isle of Wight organisations have signed up in principle to an agreement outlining what each will contribute to marketing the Island as a tourist destination.
 
The Isle of Wight Council and Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry have joined forces to promote the Island as a first-class visitor destination.

The agreement comes at the same time as the launch of the chamber’s plans to develop the world’s best destination marketing campaign, through its new website, Go Wight.

The move which will go before the council’s cabinet committee for ratification later this month - follows a series of constructive talks between both organisations in recent weeks.

Under the in-principle agreement, the chamber’s Tourism Development Board will be responsible for co-ordinating the Island’s promotional activities and the council will have seats on the board to ensure the whole industry is represented in discussions.

The body will help shape the future marketing and development of tourism, supporting the Island’s Economic and Regeneration Key Delivery Partnership.

While the IW Council will remain responsible for the strategic marketing of the Island, the chamber will co-ordinate an industry-led approach for online marketing as well as printed guides and publications.

The council will have an editorial input into these and there will be space in these publications for businesses that are not chamber members.

The agreement coincides with the launch of a pioneering chamber initiative to attract an extra 20,000 visitors to the Island through the new Go Wight website, which will be the island’s digital shop window, and will use video streaming to help promote the island’s accommodation and its attractions.

The chamber set out its proposals to an enthusiastic audience of members in the hotel and accommodation sector, at an event held at Bourne Hall Hotel, Shanklin.
 
The site will be linked to the IW Council’s own booking system and complements the council’s Island Breaks website, and will be supported by a jointly-produced accommodation guide for 2009.

Kevin Smith, chief executive of the chamber, said:

“We are determined to revitalise island tourism using the very best and most modern marketing methods available.

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement to work closely in partnership with the council, in a way that recognises the need to make best use of the skills all partners can offer.”

George Brown, IW Council cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, said:

“We have long held the view that the effective marketing of the Island required the council to do what it did best leaving others to concentrate on the areas where they had the necessary skills.

“Following talks with the chamber, that situation has been clarified and our complementary roles clearly established. We are delighted to be able to work with the chamber for the benefit of the Island.

“This is a new start for tourism on the Island and this partnership will provide this vital sector of our economy both with clarity and effective marketing and promotion.

“Both the council and the chamber now have a shared vision to ensure the Island is recognised as a world-class visitor destination.”