Island Visitor Numbers Dip — But Longer Stays Offer Summer Silver Lining

New figures reveal a mixed season for Isle of Wight tourism, with total visitor numbers down but holidaymakers choosing to stay slightly longer.

The latest Isle of Wight Passenger Survey, covering 1 July to 30 September 2025, shows total visitors fell by 3.7% compared to the same period last year.

There were, however, some brighter notes. Overnight holiday visits inched up by 0.2%, while commercial bednights rose by 2%.

The average stay also lengthened from 4.6 to 4.9 nights, suggesting those who did visit made the most of their time on the Island.

The biggest drop came from day-trippers, with leisure day visits falling by 12.4% year-on-year.

Across the summer, 62% of overnight cross-Solent trips were for holidays and leisure, along with 63% of all day trips.

Despite fewer visitors overall, spending held steady. Quarter 3 visitor expenditure is estimated at £115 million, unchanged from 2024.

Looking at the year to date (January–September 2025), total visitor numbers are down 4.6% compared to the same period last year.

Half of all day trips so far have been for leisure, while 59% of overnight visits were holiday-related.

The Island’s performance reflects wider national trends. VisitEngland’s most recent figures (April–June) show an 18% national decline in domestic overnight tourism, and a 1% drop in day visits. Quarter 3 national data is due mid-December.

VisitEngland’s Domestic Sentiment Tracker also hints at why visitors may be holding back.

The proportion of UK adults who feel “the worst is yet to come” in the cost-of-living crisis has risen from 51% to 55% in the past month, and there’s been a 6% decrease in those planning UK day trips or short breaks.

The Island’s tourism sector will now be looking ahead to the Christmas season and next spring to see whether confidence returns.