Easy.

Slash ferry prices for tourists.

&

Slash car parking prices for tourists.

&

Slash days out prices.

=

Accessable and friendly and affordable island.

Its THAT simple.

X-No-Archive: yes

"The One" <someone@here> wrote in message 
news:481c840d$1_4@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> Easy.
>
> Slash ferry prices for tourists.
>
> &
>
> Slash car parking prices for tourists.
>
> &
>
> Slash days out prices.
>
> =
>
> Accessable and friendly and affordable island.
>
> Its THAT simple.


My daughter turned up last wednesday to stay overnight and go home the 
following day.......
Guess how much she was charged by 
Wightlink......................................
Day return, 4.00pm boat Portsmouth return on the 3.30pm from Fishbourne next 
day.......


£74

Changes,  mean now,  that a 'Day Return' ticket has to be used by 1.00am 
following the day of purchase and not valid for 24 hours from time of 
passage (or purchase of ticket)


 Disgraceful, in my opinion.


Mark

"mark"  wrote in message 
news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> My daughter turned up last wednesday to stay overnight and go home the 
> following day.......
> Guess how much she was charged by 
> Wightlink......................................
> Day return, 4.00pm boat Portsmouth return on the 3.30pm from Fishbourne 
> next day.......
>
>
> £74
>
> Changes,  mean now,  that a 'Day Return' ticket has to be used by 1.00am 
> following the day of purchase and not valid for 24 hours from time of 
> passage (or purchase of ticket)
>

Mark,
Wightlink website is currently advertising:
"Short Stay up to 5 days/4 nights away: £58.50"
"Tuesdays to Thursdays; travel before 0545 or after 0955"

Also, not relevant to her but useful for longer stays, it's cheaper to buy 
two day returns than one full return. That's what we usually do.

X-No-Archive: yes

"Richard_G"  wrote in message 
news:683q2kF2qfsctU1@mid.individual.net...
> "mark"  wrote in message 
> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>
>> My daughter turned up last wednesday to stay overnight and go home the 
>> following day.......
>> Guess how much she was charged by 
>> Wightlink......................................
>> Day return, 4.00pm boat Portsmouth return on the 3.30pm from Fishbourne 
>> next day.......
>>
>>
>> £74
>>
>> Changes,  mean now,  that a 'Day Return' ticket has to be used by 1.00am 
>> following the day of purchase and not valid for 24 hours from time of 
>> passage (or purchase of ticket)
>>
>
> Mark,
> Wightlink website is currently advertising:
> "Short Stay up to 5 days/4 nights away: £58.50"
> "Tuesdays to Thursdays; travel before 0545 or after 0955"
>
> Also, not relevant to her but useful for longer stays, it's cheaper to buy 
> two day returns than one full return. That's what we usually do.


Thanks...
I did look this up myself after she told me the price she paid.
I'm going to ring Wightlink about this again... I think she has been 
overcharged...
Actually, the above  would have been ok since, as I said, the day returns 
are now just that rather than the 24 hours previously...
Still, they claimed to me the internet price is lower than the ticket office 
price ...but £16 odd is a bit much for such marginal difference.

Andrew Turner is on the case....!!


Mark

Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the Island 
but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island tourist 
attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by hotels and 
traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed lunches and 
stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a crap attraction.
"mark"  wrote in message 
news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
> X-No-Archive: yes
>
> "The One" <someone@here> wrote in message 
> news:481c840d$1_4@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
>> Easy.
>>
>> Slash ferry prices for tourists.
>>
>> &
>>
>> Slash car parking prices for tourists.
>>
>> &
>>
>> Slash days out prices.
>>
>> =
>>
>> Accessable and friendly and affordable island.
>>
>> Its THAT simple.
>
>
> My daughter turned up last wednesday to stay overnight and go home the 
> following day.......
> Guess how much she was charged by 
> Wightlink......................................
> Day return, 4.00pm boat Portsmouth return on the 3.30pm from Fishbourne 
> next day.......
>
>
> £74
>
> Changes,  mean now,  that a 'Day Return' ticket has to be used by 1.00am 
> following the day of purchase and not valid for 24 hours from time of 
> passage (or purchase of ticket)
>
>
> Disgraceful, in my opinion.
>
>
> Mark
>
>
>

X-No-Archive: yes

"john"  wrote in message 
news:HHiUj.29366$jn6.1709@newsfe08.ams2...

> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the Island 
> but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island tourist 
> attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by hotels and 
> traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed lunches and 
> stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a crap 
> attraction.

Hmm.......
I am not in a position to doubt your assessment but just where do your 
*figures*  for tourism originate from....??
Clearly, there has been reports of a visitor downturn over easter.. but it 
was quite early and the weather was not brilliant....  I'm interested where 
the numbers come from....??  Has there been an increase in tourists...?
Has the Wightlink price rise affected any crossings...??
It's strange that when one goes looking for figures, all that exist are 
those from around 1999/2000 ...  it's as if no-one wants to be bothered with 
the numbers...



Mark

john wrote:
> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the Island 
> but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island tourist 
> attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by hotels and 
> traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed lunches and 
> stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a crap attraction.
> "mark"  wrote in message 
> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>> X-No-Archive: yes

See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been on 
the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.

More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.

Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the 
easter holiday, but May is already more than making up for it

mark wrote:
> X-No-Archive: yes
> 
> "john"  wrote in message 
> news:HHiUj.29366$jn6.1709@newsfe08.ams2...
> 
>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the Island 
>> but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island tourist 
>> attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by hotels and 
>> traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed lunches and 
>> stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a crap 
>> attraction.
> 
> Hmm.......
> I am not in a position to doubt your assessment but just where do your 
> *figures*  for tourism originate from....??
> Clearly, there has been reports of a visitor downturn over easter.. but it 
> was quite early and the weather was not brilliant....  I'm interested where 
> the numbers come from....??  Has there been an increase in tourists...?
> Has the Wightlink price rise affected any crossings...??
> It's strange that when one goes looking for figures, all that exist are 
> those from around 1999/2000 ...  it's as if no-one wants to be bothered with 
> the numbers...
> 
> 
> 
> Mark
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
Funnily enough I looked at this recently to see if people have switched 
to RedFunnel (slightly cheaper) and the answer is no...despite being 
more expensive, people still favour Portsmouth

I bought a return ticket for Fishbourne to Portsmouth today, and see there 
is a surcharge for fuel being introduced from Friday by Wightlink.

Roger

Roger wrote:
> I bought a return ticket for Fishbourne to Portsmouth today, and see there 
> is a surcharge for fuel being introduced from Friday by Wightlink.
> 
> Roger 
> 
> 
a minimum of £1.50 per leg

"KJ"  wrote in message 
news:ivWdneZFVoV0kL_VRVnyjAA@bt.com...
> john wrote:
>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the 
>> Island but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island 
>> tourist attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by 
>> hotels and traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed 
>> lunches and stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a 
>> crap attraction.
>> "mark"  wrote in message 
>> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>> X-No-Archive: yes
>
> See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been on 
> the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.
>
> More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.
>
> Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the easter 
> holiday, but May is already more than making up for it

I doubt that 'short breaks' are financially feasible considering the ferry 
prices, it would make economic sense to come here for at least a week to 
make paying the ferry fairs worthwhile.

Where do you base you assessment on admissions have been rising at Robin 
Hill & Blackgang? When the manager of Robin Hill who I know personally has 
categorically said that attendances have quote "been in steady decline for a 
number of years."

There is no getting away from the fact that ferry prices, overcharging of 
island attractions and overcharging of car parking during the summer months 
is driving a vast number of holiday makers away. Why bother at all when the 
west country is cheaper and doesn't involve expensive ferry crossings.

This is just me, but if I were a holiday maker, and the first thing I saw of 
Island life is a policeman on a motor bike doing a speed trap halfway up 
York Avenue, I would be immediately put off. I know the law is the law, but 
come on, at least look after the people who pay many of our islanders wages 
once in a while.

"Roger"  wrote in message 
news:NoSdnf7SUchYhr_VnZ2dnUVZ8h-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>I bought a return ticket for Fishbourne to Portsmouth today, and see there 
>is a surcharge for fuel being introduced from Friday by Wightlink.
>
> Roger

Yes and put on top of already hefty crossing ticket fees excluding the cost 
of fuel. Some basic sums are in order here.

Say £50 a crossing per car, at least.

Say 100 cars on each crossing at least.

= £5,000 per crossing.

Being generous I expect the sum is nearer £10,000. Say a crossing every hour 
for two ferries 5am till say 11pm.

Is it safe to say that during the summer months that Wightlink alone are 
raking in £300,000 a DAY!

And a 20p increase in marine diesel cannot be absorbed into this cost, oh 
and not forgetting its a business.

Crooks all of them.

The One wrote:
> "KJ"  wrote in message 
> news:ivWdneZFVoV0kL_VRVnyjAA@bt.com...
>> john wrote:
>>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the 
>>> Island but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island 
>>> tourist attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by 
>>> hotels and traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed 
>>> lunches and stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a 
>>> crap attraction.
>>> "mark"  wrote in message 
>>> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>> X-No-Archive: yes
>> See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been on 
>> the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.
>>
>> More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.
>>
>> Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the easter 
>> holiday, but May is already more than making up for it
> 
> I doubt that 'short breaks' are financially feasible considering the ferry 
> prices, it would make economic sense to come here for at least a week to 
> make paying the ferry fairs worthwhile.
> 
> Where do you base you assessment on admissions have been rising at Robin 
> Hill & Blackgang? When the manager of Robin Hill who I know personally has 
> categorically said that attendances have quote "been in steady decline for a 
> number of years."
> 
> There is no getting away from the fact that ferry prices, overcharging of 
> island attractions and overcharging of car parking during the summer months 
> is driving a vast number of holiday makers away. Why bother at all when the 
> west country is cheaper and doesn't involve expensive ferry crossings.
> 
> This is just me, but if I were a holiday maker, and the first thing I saw of 
> Island life is a policeman on a motor bike doing a speed trap halfway up 
> York Avenue, I would be immediately put off. I know the law is the law, but 
> come on, at least look after the people who pay many of our islanders wages 
> once in a while.
> 
> 
MY facts for Robin Hill etc, come from the owner. There has been a 
definate upturn in May of people taking 3 day breaks, almost double last 
year..confirmed by every other hotel in SHAA.

I have no doubt that the cost of getting here drives people away. 
Accomodation is actually on average cheaper than Bournemouth or 
Brighton.  Attraction UK wide are extorshinate (Legoland is £124 for a 
family of four)

The thing is we only have a finate number of hotel beds available on the 
Island and, for example, we turn away 3 to 4 more requests for 
accomodation than we take during the busy period. If this is true of all 
hotels, and I don't see why not, then it will be awhile before the 
numbers put off by ferry prices will make an impact

"KJ"  wrote in message 
news:OZ6dnegEPd1qRL_VnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@bt.com...
> The One wrote:
>> "KJ"  wrote in message 
>> news:ivWdneZFVoV0kL_VRVnyjAA@bt.com...
>>> john wrote:
>>>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the 
>>>> Island but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island 
>>>> tourist attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by 
>>>> hotels and traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed 
>>>> lunches and stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a 
>>>> crap attraction.
>>>> "mark"  wrote in message 
>>>> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>>> X-No-Archive: yes
>>> See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been on 
>>> the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.
>>>
>>> More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.
>>>
>>> Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the 
>>> easter holiday, but May is already more than making up for it
>>
>> I doubt that 'short breaks' are financially feasible considering the 
>> ferry prices, it would make economic sense to come here for at least a 
>> week to make paying the ferry fairs worthwhile.
>>
>> Where do you base you assessment on admissions have been rising at Robin 
>> Hill & Blackgang? When the manager of Robin Hill who I know personally 
>> has categorically said that attendances have quote "been in steady 
>> decline for a number of years."
>>
>> There is no getting away from the fact that ferry prices, overcharging of 
>> island attractions and overcharging of car parking during the summer 
>> months is driving a vast number of holiday makers away. Why bother at all 
>> when the west country is cheaper and doesn't involve expensive ferry 
>> crossings.
>>
>> This is just me, but if I were a holiday maker, and the first thing I saw 
>> of Island life is a policeman on a motor bike doing a speed trap halfway 
>> up York Avenue, I would be immediately put off. I know the law is the 
>> law, but come on, at least look after the people who pay many of our 
>> islanders wages once in a while.
>>
>>
> MY facts for Robin Hill etc, come from the owner. There has been a 
> definate upturn in May of people taking 3 day breaks, almost double last 
> year..confirmed by every other hotel in SHAA.
>
> I have no doubt that the cost of getting here drives people away. 
> Accomodation is actually on average cheaper than Bournemouth or Brighton. 
> Attraction UK wide are extorshinate (Legoland is £124 for a family of 
> four)
>
> The thing is we only have a finate number of hotel beds available on the 
> Island and, for example, we turn away 3 to 4 more requests for 
> accomodation than we take during the busy period. If this is true of all 
> hotels, and I don't see why not, then it will be awhile before the numbers 
> put off by ferry prices will make an impact

Legoland is a large internationally known attraction so is Alton Towers and 
the like. These places can get away with charging these rates for what is 
probably for most people a once in a lifetime chance to visit these renowned 
places.

Robin Hill is not, its just a local grade 'country' park and is more 
affordable than the above for obvious reasons. However entry prices are 
still reasonably expensive considering to get to them people have to pay the 
premium on the ferries. I would put two and two together, that very little 
people return year on year, and as you say opt for mainland excusions to 
Legoland instead.

Obviously from my time at Robin Hill which was on the back of a number of 
consistantly dwindling summers things have obviously picked up again. Odd 
considering the cost of living and fuel, ferry and food bills have gone up 
and the 'credit crunch' has taken its toll.

I think the owners, the Dabell family and you are living in 'denial'.

The One wrote:
> "KJ"  wrote in message 
> news:OZ6dnegEPd1qRL_VnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@bt.com...
>> The One wrote:
>>> "KJ"  wrote in message 
>>> news:ivWdneZFVoV0kL_VRVnyjAA@bt.com...
>>>> john wrote:
>>>>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the 
>>>>> Island but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island 
>>>>> tourist attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by 
>>>>> hotels and traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed 
>>>>> lunches and stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a 
>>>>> crap attraction.
>>>>> "mark"  wrote in message 
>>>>> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>>>> X-No-Archive: yes
>>>> See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been on 
>>>> the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.
>>>>
>>>> More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.
>>>>
>>>> Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the 
>>>> easter holiday, but May is already more than making up for it
>>> I doubt that 'short breaks' are financially feasible considering the 
>>> ferry prices, it would make economic sense to come here for at least a 
>>> week to make paying the ferry fairs worthwhile.
>>>
>>> Where do you base you assessment on admissions have been rising at Robin 
>>> Hill & Blackgang? When the manager of Robin Hill who I know personally 
>>> has categorically said that attendances have quote "been in steady 
>>> decline for a number of years."
>>>
>>> There is no getting away from the fact that ferry prices, overcharging of 
>>> island attractions and overcharging of car parking during the summer 
>>> months is driving a vast number of holiday makers away. Why bother at all 
>>> when the west country is cheaper and doesn't involve expensive ferry 
>>> crossings.
>>>
>>> This is just me, but if I were a holiday maker, and the first thing I saw 
>>> of Island life is a policeman on a motor bike doing a speed trap halfway 
>>> up York Avenue, I would be immediately put off. I know the law is the 
>>> law, but come on, at least look after the people who pay many of our 
>>> islanders wages once in a while.
>>>
>>>
>> MY facts for Robin Hill etc, come from the owner. There has been a 
>> definate upturn in May of people taking 3 day breaks, almost double last 
>> year..confirmed by every other hotel in SHAA.
>>
>> I have no doubt that the cost of getting here drives people away. 
>> Accomodation is actually on average cheaper than Bournemouth or Brighton. 
>> Attraction UK wide are extorshinate (Legoland is £124 for a family of 
>> four)
>>
>> The thing is we only have a finate number of hotel beds available on the 
>> Island and, for example, we turn away 3 to 4 more requests for 
>> accomodation than we take during the busy period. If this is true of all 
>> hotels, and I don't see why not, then it will be awhile before the numbers 
>> put off by ferry prices will make an impact
> 
> Legoland is a large internationally known attraction so is Alton Towers and 
> the like. These places can get away with charging these rates for what is 
> probably for most people a once in a lifetime chance to visit these renowned 
> places.
> 
> Robin Hill is not, its just a local grade 'country' park and is more 
> affordable than the above for obvious reasons. However entry prices are 
> still reasonably expensive considering to get to them people have to pay the 
> premium on the ferries. I would put two and two together, that very little 
> people return year on year, and as you say opt for mainland excusions to 
> Legoland instead.
> 
> Obviously from my time at Robin Hill which was on the back of a number of 
> consistantly dwindling summers things have obviously picked up again. Odd 
> considering the cost of living and fuel, ferry and food bills have gone up 
> and the 'credit crunch' has taken its toll.
> 
> I think the owners, the Dabell family and you are living in 'denial'. 
> 
> 
how do you think they can afford the refurbs that have taken place at 
both places.

The Island does need a world class attraction...A safari park would be 
good and then maybe we could get an abbatoir as well.  Something on the 
scale of Centre Parcs would be great.

"KJ"  wrote in message 
news:_oydnUE81-AdjL7VnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@bt.com...
> The One wrote:
>> "KJ"  wrote in message 
>> news:OZ6dnegEPd1qRL_VnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@bt.com...
>>> The One wrote:
>>>> "KJ"  wrote in message 
>>>> news:ivWdneZFVoV0kL_VRVnyjAA@bt.com...
>>>>> john wrote:
>>>>>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the 
>>>>>> Island but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by 
>>>>>> Island tourist attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being 
>>>>>> charged by hotels and traders alike. The tourist are here but now 
>>>>>> they take packed lunches and stay clear of places like Robin Hill 
>>>>>> that over charge for a crap attraction.
>>>>>> "mark"  wrote in message 
>>>>>> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>>>>> X-No-Archive: yes
>>>>> See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been 
>>>>> on the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.
>>>>>
>>>>> More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.
>>>>>
>>>>> Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the 
>>>>> easter holiday, but May is already more than making up for it
>>>> I doubt that 'short breaks' are financially feasible considering the 
>>>> ferry prices, it would make economic sense to come here for at least a 
>>>> week to make paying the ferry fairs worthwhile.
>>>>
>>>> Where do you base you assessment on admissions have been rising at 
>>>> Robin Hill & Blackgang? When the manager of Robin Hill who I know 
>>>> personally has categorically said that attendances have quote "been in 
>>>> steady decline for a number of years."
>>>>
>>>> There is no getting away from the fact that ferry prices, overcharging 
>>>> of island attractions and overcharging of car parking during the summer 
>>>> months is driving a vast number of holiday makers away. Why bother at 
>>>> all when the west country is cheaper and doesn't involve expensive 
>>>> ferry crossings.
>>>>
>>>> This is just me, but if I were a holiday maker, and the first thing I 
>>>> saw of Island life is a policeman on a motor bike doing a speed trap 
>>>> halfway up York Avenue, I would be immediately put off. I know the law 
>>>> is the law, but come on, at least look after the people who pay many of 
>>>> our islanders wages once in a while.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> MY facts for Robin Hill etc, come from the owner. There has been a 
>>> definate upturn in May of people taking 3 day breaks, almost double last 
>>> year..confirmed by every other hotel in SHAA.
>>>
>>> I have no doubt that the cost of getting here drives people away. 
>>> Accomodation is actually on average cheaper than Bournemouth or 
>>> Brighton. Attraction UK wide are extorshinate (Legoland is £124 for a 
>>> family of four)
>>>
>>> The thing is we only have a finate number of hotel beds available on the 
>>> Island and, for example, we turn away 3 to 4 more requests for 
>>> accomodation than we take during the busy period. If this is true of all 
>>> hotels, and I don't see why not, then it will be awhile before the 
>>> numbers put off by ferry prices will make an impact
>>
>> Legoland is a large internationally known attraction so is Alton Towers 
>> and the like. These places can get away with charging these rates for 
>> what is probably for most people a once in a lifetime chance to visit 
>> these renowned places.
>>
>> Robin Hill is not, its just a local grade 'country' park and is more 
>> affordable than the above for obvious reasons. However entry prices are 
>> still reasonably expensive considering to get to them people have to pay 
>> the premium on the ferries. I would put two and two together, that very 
>> little people return year on year, and as you say opt for mainland 
>> excusions to Legoland instead.
>>
>> Obviously from my time at Robin Hill which was on the back of a number of 
>> consistantly dwindling summers things have obviously picked up again. Odd 
>> considering the cost of living and fuel, ferry and food bills have gone 
>> up and the 'credit crunch' has taken its toll.
>>
>> I think the owners, the Dabell family and you are living in 'denial'.
> how do you think they can afford the refurbs that have taken place at both 
> places.
>
> The Island does need a world class attraction...A safari park would be 
> good and then maybe we could get an abbatoir as well.  Something on the 
> scale of Centre Parcs would be great.

Figures are dwinding, doesn't mean they are short of money to add features. 
Since you know the owners, you would realise that the Dabell family are very 
wealthy (and very disjointed) outside of the parks anyway.

The island needs to find a niche, to be famous for other than some large 
white rocks, now I know comparing the Isle of Wight to Jersey isn't truely 
fair for obvious reasons, but in hindsight the attractions there are far 
more plentyful, cheaper and what i've seen friendlier.

Had a full English breakfast today in Ryde, in February the same meal cost 
me £3.59p today I was shocked to be charged £7.50! I did complain as the new 
price was not advertised any where. Just another example of greedy people 
putting the price up in the Summer
"The One" <someone@here> wrote in message 
news:4822ae02_3@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
>
> "KJ"  wrote in message 
> news:ivWdneZFVoV0kL_VRVnyjAA@bt.com...
>> john wrote:
>>> Tourist numbers have increased for the past 2 years. They visit the 
>>> Island but are now refusing to pay the rip-off prices charged by Island 
>>> tourist attraction admissions. Also the rip-off prices being charged by 
>>> hotels and traders alike. The tourist are here but now they take packed 
>>> lunches and stay clear of places like Robin Hill that over charge for a 
>>> crap attraction.
>>> "mark"  wrote in message 
>>> news:jqadnUN3DqmNAIHVnZ2dnUVZ8hidnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>> X-No-Archive: yes
>>
>> See..if you try you can be quite sensible, Tourist figures have been on 
>> the rise, but then so have attendences at Robin Hill and Blackgang.
>>
>> More people are taking short breaks and nad bringing 'packed lunches'.
>>
>> Figures for this year are down, mainly due to the cock up over the easter 
>> holiday, but May is already more than making up for it
>
> I doubt that 'short breaks' are financially feasible considering the ferry 
> prices, it would make economic sense to come here for at least a week to 
> make paying the ferry fairs worthwhile.
>
> Where do you base you assessment on admissions have been rising at Robin 
> Hill & Blackgang? When the manager of Robin Hill who I know personally has 
> categorically said that attendances have quote "been in steady decline for 
> a number of years."
>
> There is no getting away from the fact that ferry prices, overcharging of 
> island attractions and overcharging of car parking during the summer 
> months is driving a vast number of holiday makers away. Why bother at all 
> when the west country is cheaper and doesn't involve expensive ferry 
> crossings.
>
> This is just me, but if I were a holiday maker, and the first thing I saw 
> of Island life is a policeman on a motor bike doing a speed trap halfway 
> up York Avenue, I would be immediately put off. I know the law is the law, 
> but come on, at least look after the people who pay many of our islanders 
> wages once in a while.
>
>

X-No-Archive: yes


"john"  wrote in message 
news:ok1Vj.302$Nk5.178@newsfe15.ams2...
> Had a full English breakfast today in Ryde, in February the same meal cost 
> me £3.59p today I was shocked to be charged £7.50! I did complain as the 
> new price was not advertised any where. Just another example of greedy 
> people putting the price up in the Summer


...where was this..??

Mark