THE Isle of Wight has been winning the publicity battle with its official public relations department claiming it has generated about £1.8m of positive media coverage.

Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) which launched in November 2012, says its success is down to strong links with VisitEngland’s press office, with VisitBritain PR managers worldwide.

Links have also been forged with some of the UK’s leading travel writers to help promote the Island as one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations.

Marketing campaigns during 2013 include The Year of the Dinosaur.