By Carole Dennett
Many Islanders think the Island’s ferry firms wield far too much power – but now a row is erupting between one of them and local tourism businesses, and this time the cross‑Solent giant may have picked a fight with the wrong crowd.
For ten years, Island tourism businesses have paid a levy to fund Visit Isle of Wight, the organisation that promotes Island tourism. As previously reported, last year it emerged that the organisation had been breaking its own rules for years. The board should have been dominated by Island tourism businesses, yet companies with guaranteed seats – including the ferry firms and the IW Council – held the majority. When levy payers finally elected 12 new local directors in November, Kent-based chairman David Curtis‑Brignell abruptly quit. Managing director, Will Myers, soon followed.
Under new CEO, Dominic Wray, who until recently ran Blackgang Chine, the refreshed board has spent months trying to drag the organisation into reality. The current levy – 1.75 per cent of business rates – hasn’t risen in a decade, not even in line with inflation.
The board decided the Island can’t be marketed properly without more funding and those who benefit most from tourism should pay the highest rate. Their proposal is a stepped levy, remaining frozen at 1.75 per cent for food and drink outlets, up to 7 per cent for transport providers. They also plan to scrap the £150 minimum payment and introduce direct debit payments to help hard‑pressed tourism businesses spread the cost across the year.
Under the plans every board member would also pay more – many run major attractions such as Robin Hill and the IW Steam Railway; their levy rate would rise to 5 per cent. Almost all accepted the increase as essential.
But board minutes published this week show the vote was 10–3, and one board member reportedly threw a “hissy fit” and threatened legal action – Wightlink’s representative, Phil Delaney. Wightlink carries around 60 per cent of all visitors to the Island, yet it’s contribution under the new scheme – £195,000 – is just 0.2 per cent of its £89.24 million turnover. Other transport operators, including Red Funnel and Southern Vectis, were said to be willing to pay their share, with one describing themselves as “proud” to support Island tourism.
Mr Delaney wanted to set a cap on payments, but couldn’t even find a seconder for his plan. He also wanted more seats on the board and control over how funds were spent.
One board member, who will be paying 5 per cent, summed up the mood: “None of us want to pay more, but the levy has been frozen for 10 years. It’s impossible to achieve what the Island needs on the current income.
“Wightlink will probably pay one of the lowest contributions based on turnover – far below what mine will be – yet it’s their director throwing a hissy fit. Taking this to court would surely cost more than the levy. We all rely on tourism, but none of us benefit more than Wightlink. Why shouldn’t they pay a bit more?”
Wightlink’s CEO, Katy Taylor, said: “Wightlink is a strong supporter of Visit Isle of Wight and believe it needs to be well funded to play an important role in attracting visitors and supporting the Island economy. We accept we should remain one of the largest contributors and have supported the increase in funding and the stepped levy structure.
“Our concerns relate to the specific levy model proposed. Under the latest proposals, the levy rate for a small number of organisations, including us and the IW Council, would lead to a 300 per cent increase.
“We believe it is reasonable to consider whether that is proportionate, when alternative approaches would still deliver significant additional funding. This is about ensuring the funding model is fair, balanced, and sustainable.
“We have asked that the proposed levy structure is reviewed, and we welcome the opportunity to continue constructive discussions.”
Adding to the drama, at Wednesday’s council meeting the council’s representative, Cllr Julie Jones‑Evans, who also voted against the plan, relinquished her seat on the Visit Isle of Wight board, citing a heavy workload.
After years in which levy‑paying businesses were sidelined, the new board seems to be asserting itself. As another member put it: “The days of a cosy clique deciding the Island’s tourism strategy are over. Some of those who once held the reins may be struggling to accept that change – but the board now expects everyone to pay their fair share.”
A spokesman for the IW Council declined to comment, as did a spokesman for Visit Isle of Wight.