Isle Of Wight Recognised At National Group Travel Awards

Visit Isle of Wight has received national recognition after representing the Island at the Group Travel World Awards on Thursday evening (27 November).

The event, held at The Presidents Hotel in London, celebrates destinations and businesses that excel in the group travel sector.

Group Travel World magazine is aimed at group organisers, coach operators, travel clubs and educational groups, with its members deciding this year’s winners.

The Isle of Wight took home an award highlighting what the Island has to offer visiting groups.

Amy Summers, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Visit Isle of Wight, said it was an honour to accept the award.

“Group travel is an important market for the island, providing much-needed economic benefit during extended seasons,” she said.

“My thanks to everyone who voted for the island, and to Group Travel World for recognising our collective efforts.”

The Island reached the finals earlier this year, competing against destinations such as Liverpool, Wiltshire, County Durham, Southend-on-Sea and Discover Newmarket.

Nick Weightman, Exhibitions, Trade and Sustainability Executive, said the recognition reflects the ongoing work to promote the Island to the group travel market.

“Visit Isle of Wight has continued to fly the flag for the island within the groups and travel trade market and this award is testament to the hard work of our industry colleagues,” he said.

He added that the organisation has recently launched a new groups and trade guide and will introduce a trade e-newsletter in the new year.

Visit Isle of Wight also manages the Exhibitions Partnership, which brings together industry partners to coordinate promotional activity.

The award acknowledges the joint effort of this group and other businesses working to welcome group tours to the Island.