Mr Bland will join Dame Ellen MacArthur in accepting the honour.
The Island’s former Lord Lieutenant Christopher Bland, will be awarded the freedom of the Isle of Wight, today. He will attend a council meeting at County Hall in Newport.
Only two other Islanders - yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur MBE and Oscar winning film director, the late Anthony Minghella CBE – have been awarded the honour. IW Council Chairman Cllr Arthur Taylor said of Mr Bland, “He has significantly contributed to the Island’s economy through his cross-Solent travel company Hovertravel and has brought millions of visitors to the Island over the years and created many jobs. This is in addition to the 11 years he served as the Island’s Lord-Lieutenant.”