Isle Of Wight Awarded Prestigious Coach Friendly Accreditation

The Isle of Wight has been recognised as one of the UK's leading destinations for group travel after being awarded the Confederation of Passenger Transport's (CPT) prestigious Coach Friendly accreditation.

The award, presented to Visit Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Council, recognises the Island's commitment to welcoming coach visitors and providing high-quality facilities for operators, drivers and passengers.

Destinations seeking Coach Friendly status are assessed on a range of criteria, including coach access and parking, clear signage, driver facilities, accessibility for passengers with mobility needs and support for coach operators.

The accreditation was formally presented to Visit Isle of Wight Chief Executive Dominic Wray and Councillor Julie Jones-Evans at Osborne House during Better Transport Week.

Andy Shaw, Coaching Manager at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

"With its stunning coastal scenery, fascinating heritage and laid-back vibe, the Isle of Wight is an enduringly popular destination for coach tourism.

"Coach operators and passengers get a warm welcome on the Island and can be confident of great facilities at top visitor attractions."

Coach tourism plays a major role in the UK visitor economy, generating around 450 million passenger journeys each year and contributing more than £8 billion annually to local economies.

Dominic Wray said the accreditation was a significant endorsement of the Island's tourism industry.

"Coach tourism is incredibly important to the Isle of Wight, supporting local businesses, accommodation providers and visitor attractions throughout the year, particularly during the shoulder seasons," he said.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our tourism businesses and partners who work hard to make the Island an outstanding destination for group travel."

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of the Isle of Wight Council's Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, said encouraging coach travel also supports the authority's wider transport and sustainability ambitions.

The announcement comes during Better Transport Week and follows the Island's recent nomination in the Best Destination for Groups category at the 2026 Group Leisure and Travel Awards for a fourth consecutive year.