Dominic Wray Named New Chief Executive Of Visit Isle Of Wight With Steve Wells Vice Chair

Visit Isle of Wight has announced the appointment of Dominic Wray as its new Chief Executive.

Dominic brings more than a decade of experience in the Island’s visitor economy, having previously run Blackgang Chine, one of the Isle of Wight’s best-known attractions.

He says the role comes at a crucial time for tourism businesses, with rising costs, changing visitor habits and concerns around falling visitor numbers.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Dominic shared his enthusiasm for the position, highlighting his commitment to supporting levy-paying businesses and strengthening engagement across the sector.

He acknowledged feedback from businesses who have felt disconnected from the BID in recent years, saying rebuilding trust and demonstrating clear value will be central to the organisation’s next phase.

Alongside his appointment, a newly elected board of 11 levy-paying business representatives has been formed, aimed at improving accountability and ensuring the BID is shaped directly by those who fund it.

Steve Wells, Director of Garden Isle Holidays, has also been named Vice Chair.

Dominic outlined several priorities for the coming months, including direct engagement with businesses through sector-specific sessions, clearer spending priorities for levy funding, stronger year-round promotion of the Island, improved representation with partners and the Council, and closer collaboration across the visitor economy.

He said the focus will be on listening first, demonstrating real outcomes, and building confidence through action rather than assumption.

The announcement comes just under three months after former Chief Executive Will Myles stepped down from the role.

Dominic added that future success would be measured by tangible results for local businesses, stressing that the goal is to create a BID that genuinely works for those who support it.

In addition to Dominic's appointment, the following people have also been confirmed as part of the new Visit Isle of Wight Board:

• Lawrence Bates – Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

• Laura Baxter – The Orchards Holiday Park

• Matthew Brooks – The Royal Hotel

• Derek Curtis – Amazon World

• Claire Davies – Parkdean Resorts

• Edward Day – Monkey Madness

• David Holmes – Garlic Festival Ltd

• Marc Morgan-Huws – Isle of Wight Steam Railway

• Lee Priddle – Robin Hill Partnership Ltd

• Nick Spyker – Sandringham Hotel

• Steven Wells – Luccombe Hall Hotel