An iconic seaside destination is all set to tax tourists for visiting after fed-up locals slammed visitors for “trashing” the beauty spot, it has been reported.
Upset locals along the South Coast have been unhappy for a while about tourists damaging beaches in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole council area.
Now, there are plans for approximately 70 businesses in the region planning to implement a tourist fee of about £2 per night.
It’s expected that this fee will generate around £2 million annually from visitors, which council members say will be used to improve the area.
The hotel and tourism sector in the town believes this move will help “protect and enhance” the area’s status as one of the UK’s top destinations.
Some locals seemed to be in favour of the fresh changes and hoped they would be approved. After news of the new initiative, one said: “Hopefully that would cut down on the out of towners parking in stupid places when they come in masses.”
While another said: “Absolutely no-one will go elsewhere over a £2 tourist charge that is common place in Europe and countless other locations.”
The plans have been drawn up by a shadow board with representatives from the hotel sector, the BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), the Destination Management Board (DMB), the four existing BIDs and BCP Council.
There will be a ballot of around 70 accommodation providers in April 2024 to allow the ABID’s introduction.
DMB chair Andy Lennox said: “The DMB is committed to a cross-sector and bi-partisan approach to getting this destination back on track.
“The ABID is a unique proposition for our three towns and its swift implementation is one of the most important opportunities for our local business community both now and in the future. Its successful delivery will reverberate around the conurbation for many years to come.
“We are committed to ensuring that it is successful and that it helps delivers a clean, green, safe, vibrant and eventful conurbation for businesses and residents in the future.”
Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council said: “We as a council welcome the industry’s pro-active approach and are excited at the prospect of working in partnership with the proposed new Accommodation BID, to deliver a more productive and resilient visitor economy and destination management.
“As the council moves to a new way of working, as an enabler rather than deliverer. We will do everything within our power to help the process to a successful conclusion.”
