A new minister with a portfolio for tourism has pledged to visit the Isle of Wight in the New Year following a request from Island MP Bob Seely.
Stuart Andrew MP, who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, accepted the invitation at one of his ministerial surgeries earlier this month.
Bob said: “I’m keen that the minister visits us to see what a fantastic visitor economy we have on the Island.
“We have something very unique in terms of our tourism offer and I want us to showcase this nationally.
“It’s important that ministers, who are making decisions in Westminster which shape our future, are well informed so I am delighted he has agreed to visit in the New Year.”
Responding to the news, Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight, Will Myles, said: “The Isle of Wight is a strong tourism brand and is the destination of choice for over 2.4 million visitors each year, spending £350 million pounds.
“The economic impact of tourism on the Island is nearly half a billion pounds, so I welcome Bob’s discussions with the newly appointed Tourism Minister Stewart Andrew.
“It is a highly competitive marketplace out there for holidays, short breaks and day visits and 2023 and beyond will be even more competitive, we need to ensure that the Island’s tourism agenda is front and centre at DCMS and with the tourism minister and his team.
“It would be great to welcome him to the Island to show him how it is done along with the amazing product that we have here, all year round.”
It is hoped that the minister will be able to visit the Island in the Spring.
