By Isle of Wight Observer
Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) has confirmed that Dominic Wray will leave the organisation at the end of the current BID term – with the announcement, which has taken many people by surprise, referring to him as the “interim Chief Executive”, despite months of press releases describing him simply as the Chief Executive.
Mr Wray joined VIOW in February 2026, after controversy over the previous board, then dominated by the ferry companies, was swept away with 12 new directors from local businesses. The organisation says Mr Wray had a “clearly defined brief”: to restructure the company, rebuild its business plan and establish the funding model required for BID 3.
VIOW says that work is now complete, and that the organisation will not recruit a new chief executive. Instead, it plans to appoint a Marketing Director to lead the tourism body into the next BID term.
However, the announcement comes amid concerns raised over actions taken before Mr Wray’s planned departure – including a written recommendation to the board to purchase a new bespoke website at a cost of more than £210,000 including VAT.
VIOW’s response to the IW Observer said the new platform is projected to generate £530,000 in commercial return through advertising, sponsored content, and enhanced listings, which they believe will come from local businesses wishing to promote themselves on the new website. They emphasised that no contract has been awarded and that the full proposal will only go to the board after a successful ballot by local tourism related businesses.
The organisation confirmed that three website suppliers were assessed, including Simpleview – its current provider – and an Isle of Wight web development company. VIOW says Simpleview was judged “best placed to deliver the specification”, because “its platform is purpose-built for destination organisations”. However, the recommendation is not for a website based on existing components – but for “the fully bespoke package”. VIOW said the procurement process is not yet complete and alternative build options are still being costed.
Another contentious issue is the recruitment process for the new Marketing Director, who will be paid £70,000. VIOW says all directors were invited to join the panel, but the final group consists of: Claire Davies, Business Development Manager at Parkdean Resorts; Lee Hudson, Commercial Director at Red Funnel; Phil Delaney, Commercial Director at Wightlink; and Mr Wray himself. Parkdean’s representative is based in Newcastle, and neither ferry company director represents a small Island business.
One levy payer told the IW Observer: “If the new head of tourism is interviewed only by the ferry companies and a mainland holiday park, how likely is it they’ll stand up to the ferries when needed? A small Island business should absolutely be on that panel – otherwise the appointment risks being determined by the very companies many Islanders feel need much stronger challenge.” He added: “Just as the world is moving to asking AI for answers, I can’t think why our Tourist Board seems keen to put all the eggs in a website basket.”
VIOW rejects the suggestion that ferry companies will control the appointment, saying the panel’s recommendation will go to the full board for approval.
The timing of these disputes is significant. Ballot papers for BID 3 will be issued on October 1, with businesses deciding whether to fund the Island’s destination marketing organisation for the next five years. VIOW stresses that there is “no alternative source of funding” and “no plan B”.
Mr Wray will remain in post through the ballot period, supporting the transition to the new structure. But the organisation clearly faces a challenging few weeks as levy payers prepare to vote on its future.