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VISITBRITAIN CEO IS A MASSIVE FAN OF THE ISLAND

The Chief Executive of VisitBritain, the organisation responsible for marketing Britain to the rest of the world, has written to the Isle of Wight Council stating she is a "massive fan" of the Island and congratulating the authority's efforts in making her recent holidays here a "really brilliant experience".

In her letter to John Metcalfe, the Isle of Wight Council's Assistant Director, Economic Development, Tourism, Culture, Leisure and Partnerships, Sandie Dawe MBE congratulates the council's tourism department as well as those working in the Island's various pubs and attractions:

"I have visited the Island three times now, most recently in June this year. On this visit I was so pleased to note the improvements on Ventnor beach and seafront, better street furniture, new apartments and cafes," she said.

"The whole island seems to be very well maintained, extremely clean and well provided with public loos.

Commenting on the letter, Cllr George Brown, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Economy, Planning & Property said: "With the help of our tourism partners, the Isle of Wight Council is committed to working with the industry to continue to market and promote the Island as one of the UK's leading holiday destinations. To receive a letter like this is a real boost and a pat on the back to everyone involved in ensuring that visitors have such a fantastic experience that they will want to return again and again."

As well as attractions like The Needles, Mottistone Manor, the "brilliant and hilarious" Appuldurcombe House ghost walk, Ventnor Botanic Gardens and Osborne House, Sandie recommended swimming at Bembridge, Ventnor Beach, Steephill Cove, and Compton and Seagrove Bays, walking "good signposting, walk leaflets" and "brilliant" pub meals at The Buddle Inn and The Spyglass."

This recent high praise comes hot on the heels of last week's news that the Island has been named as one of the world's top holiday spots by kids in a poll carried out by Teletext Holidays, which put the Island ahead of holiday hotspots Greece and Majorca.

The Isle of Wight Council's Communications department has recently been working with BBC Countryfile magazine on a 7-page travel feature promoting the Island's holiday accommodation, attractions and events. See the results in the September issue which is on sale now, www.bbccountryfile.com