June 17 2026
The Confederation of Passenger Transport has awarded its coveted Coach Friendly status to the Isle of Wight in recognition of the island’s great facilities and positive welcome to coach travellers.
The award was presented to Dominic Wray, Chief Executive of Visit Wight, today at Osborne House, the former royal residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in East Cowes. The house is one of the island’s most popular attractions, generating more than 300,000 visitors annually.
CPT’s coach friendly accreditation recognises destinations with a significant tourism offer that demonstrate a commitment to increase traffic from coach operators and visitors.
Among the criteria required are good pick-up and drop-off points, facilities for drivers, clear directional instruction for coaches, consideration for mobility impaired passengers and a named representative on hand to deal with difficulties.
Andy Shaw, the CPT’s Coaching Manager, said: “With its stunning coastal scenery, fascinating heritage and laid-back vibe, the Isle of Wight is an enduring popular destination for coach tourism.
“Coach operators and passengers get a warm welcome on the island, and can be confident of great facilities at top visitor attractions. We’re delighted to add the Isle of Wight to our list of coach friendly destinations.”
Coaches generate 450 million journeys a year in Britain – equivalent to 40% of all journeys taken by rail. A KPMG study for CPT found that coach passengers spend £8.3 billion annually in local economies – including £3.5 billion from day trippers, £1.9 billion from domestic passengers who stay overnight and £600 million from international tourists.
Top Isle of Wight destinations for coach tourists include the Needles, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Blackgang Chine amusement park and the many picturesque villages and beaches on the island.
Dominic Wray, CEO of Visit Wight, said: “Coach tourism is key for the Islands' visitor economy, filling hotel beds and attractions during otherwise quieter periods.
Visit Isle of Wight continues to produce the Group Friendly Travel Guide, highlighting facilities like coach parking areas, coach-friendly attractions, activities and hotels, and gives example itineraries for tour operators. This accreditation is a huge recognition for all our hard-working tourism businesses and the work they do to support the Coach Tourism industry.”
Today’s award comes during Better Transport Week, a celebration of sustainable travel across the UK. It is announced on the eve of the Isle of Wight Festival, which brings more than 50,000 people to the island.