MONEY from the WightBID levy has been used to market the Isle of Wight to potential tourists.

From the Evening Standard to the Countryfile website the Island's glorious beaches, tourist attractions and quirky resorts have been promoted to mainland residents in a multitude of ways.

Scroll down to watch one of the Isle of Wight adverts

Some campaigns had to be paused due to the Covid pandemic, but from London Underground campaigns to bus stop posters, the lure of the Island has been presented in a variety of ways by the team at Visit Isle of Wight over the last five years.

Here we look at just some of the most recent campaigns, as the end of the first five year term of WightBID looms, at the end of August.

  • The Evening Standard, National Geographic Traveller: Full page plus quarter page advertorial published February 2020, targeting London/commuters. Readership 1.2 million.
  • Digital campaign across Expedia, Ebookers and Hotels.com. Planned live dates February to March 2020, paused mid-way due to Covid. However $34,800 revenue generated for Isle of Wight accommodation providers using Expedia over 38 days, with approx $11 dollars generated for Isle of Wight accommodation providers to every $1 spent by Visit Isle of Wight.
  • Countryfile magazine and website promotion.
  • Sky Adsmart TV advert resulting in 436,000 website impressions, and significant peak in hits while campaign was live.
  • Sunday Times travel checklist adverts. 1.83 million readers.

Due to the pandemic, Visit Isle of Wight has had to change the way it does business, communicate with businesses, assist and signpost information for businesses and how to develop and deliver support webinars virtually while continuing to work at home.

It hopes to release more information soon, about a new five year term for the WightBID levy.