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Isle Of Wight Visitor Numbers And Spend On The Rise, Survey Shows

Both the number of people visiting the Isle of Wight — and the amount of money they’re spending here — has risen, new figures show.

A survey, collected by Tourism South East on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight, compared the period between April and June this year (Quarter 2), with the same months three years ago.

Data showed an overall two per cent increase in visitors using accommodation providers and hospitality venues on the Island, with 633,155 visitors in 2022 compared to 623,592 visitors in 2019.

Visitor spend also rose by 45 per cent. A total of £114 million was spent on the Isle of Wight over the same period.

On average, each tourist spent £33.25 per day compared to £24.30 in 2019.

For overnight visitors, the average spend per trip was £293.41, compared to £198.20 in 2019 (not including ferry travel).

Nearly double the number of people visited the Island from London, which Visit Isle of Wight says reflects marketing campaigns around the city.

Meanwhile, there has been an increase in visits to attractions. 50 per cent of those surveyed went to one or more up from 46 per cent in 2019.

However, the number of visitors by coach has fallen dramatically, from 11 per cent in 2019 to just three per cent in 2022, reflecting the accelerated national downturn in coach travel since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight said:

"While these figures are encouraging, we know from anecdotal reports that some local businesses are already seeing the bite from the national economic downturn.

"Visit Isle of Wight is committed to ensuring that the Island and its businesses are forefront in the minds of visitors.

"Our autumn and winter marketing campaign launches in the next couple of weeks, and we hope that businesses look out for opportunities to join us in marketing the Island with one powerful voice."

Next month (September 11) the Isle of Wight is expected to welcome thousands of visitors for the Tour of Britain.

The cycling race is recognised nationally and globally. TV crews from ITV4, Eurosport and more will be on the Island to broadcast the spectacle.

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