What Has Tourism Ever Done for Bournemouth & Poole?
14th May 2018
New campaign & infographic highlights value of tourism to local economy
In the afterglow of the busiest bank holiday yet, statistics released by Bournemouth & Poole Tourism Management Board have revealed the staggering numbers behind the industry’s value to the local economy – with total visitor numbers for the year estimated at 11.2m* and a contribution to the local economy of almost £1bn.
In one of their first joint campaigns, the newly formed Bournemouth & Poole Tourism Management Board has put together a set of statistics that show just how much tourism contributes to both resorts each year.
The statistics have been presented in the form of an infographic, which kicks off with the eye-catching headline of tourism’s £952.72m contribution to the economy and £373m stay visitor spend across Bournemouth and Poole.
The resorts also welcome huge numbers of visitors from a variety of sectors, reporting 9.7m leisure daytime visits, 2.21m overseas study night stays and 1m overnight business stays.
Already recognised as having significant value to employment figures nationwide, the tourism industry is credited as creating 14,534 jobs in Bournemouth and Poole.
Councillor Pat Oakley, Portfolio Holder responsible for Tourism in Bournemouth, said: “The recent bank holiday showed just how popular the destination is for weekend breaks, last-minute overnight stays and day visits. Added to which, our public appeal has been attested to in the recent acquisition of both the UK’s Best Seaside Resort and Best Beach titles. It’s great to be able to use an infographic to demonstrate the tangible benefits of this popularity to both resorts.”
Councillor John Challinor, Portfolio Holder responsible for Tourism in Poole, said: “We’re so lucky to have such impressive surroundings, a rich history and enthusiastic individuals driving our attraction and restaurant offer locally. As we head into what we hope will be another busy summer season, we’re committed to working with partners, businesses and residents across both resorts, maximising opportunities to build on this success.”
Andrew Woodland, Chair of the Bournemouth & Poole Tourism Management Board, said: “We’re incredibly proud of these statistics – they’re testament to the passion and hard work of thousands of tourism industry professionals across the region, not forgetting the many local businesses that support and benefit from the industry – from electricians to plumbers, architects to builders, laundry services to window cleaners, taxis to bus companies - to name but a few.
“We also wanted to share the scale of the financial contribution made by tourism to the local economy. The investment allows us to provide a wide range of amenities, attractions and festivals that benefit both residents and visitors and maintains the area as one of the most attractive places in the country to live, work and visit.”
Find out more at bournemouth.co.uk and pooletourism.com.
* source headline figures South West Tourism Company 2016
