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Tourism On Track? Culture Secretary's Isle Of Wight Tourism Trip

A ride on Tapnell Farm's Go Karts was on the agenda during the Culture Secretary's trip to the Isle of Wight.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, Oliver Dowden paid a visit to the Island yesterday (Thursday).

He met with Visit Isle of Wight boss Will Myles and Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely to discuss "all things tourism".

Top of the agenda was how tourism is bouncing back on the Island after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pictures posted by Tapnell Farm also show the Secretary of State meeting with owners Tom Turney and Tom Honeyman-Brown.

Great to welcome ​@oliverdowdenhertsmere Secretary of State (digital, culture, media & sport) to Tapnell Farm today, to...

Posted by Tapnell Farm Park on Thursday, June 24, 2021

 

The Secretary of State said:

“I fully understand the challenges the sector has faced over the last year and am highly supportive of the Tourism and Hospitality industry on the Island and further afield at present.

“I firmly believe and hope that with the strong and innovative tourism products that you have on the Island, and the passion shown by those involved, you will have a busy and profitable season.”

The Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said he was looking forward to working with the Secretary of State to further develop the tourism offer here:

"Tourism on the Isle of Wight has an economic impact of nearly half a billion pounds and is one of the major employers here, with visitors spending over £330 million each year.”

“I will endeavor to work with Mr Dowden to support the Island Tourism and Hospitality industry now and in the future, aiding the great efforts already in place here on the Isle of Wight. Right now, the hospitality sector needs our support, not just on the Island, but nationwide. Together with Visit Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight Council, Visit Britain and Mr Dowden we look to support and promote this sector as a great industry to start a successful career."

Visit Isle of Wight is currently working to address the staffing shortages in the hospitality sector.

MD Will Myles said it was vital that this and other issues were addressed: 

“I ensured Mr Dowden understood the importance of the visitor economy on the Island, and the issues that it was facing in both the short and longer term including current staffing shortages. He was very well briefed and has even been here previously with his family as a tourist. It is visits like this that gets our message straight to the heart of government.”

Will Myles said:

“Thanks to everyone involved in this visit, Mr Dowden left with a very positive grasp of what we do here - sent off with a basket of Wight Marque Island produce and Garlic Farm items to enjoy. He was very appreciative.”

 

 

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