9:00am Thursday 4th February 2010
By Julie Magee
VISITORS to Boscombe seafront soared by almost a third last summer following £50 million regeneration works.
New Bournemouth Tourism statistics show that declining visitor numbers have been dramatically reversed with a 32 per cent increase last summer compared to the previous year.
Tourism chiefs boast that Boscombe Spa Village has “revitalised and transformed Boscombe seafront,” creating 48 new jobs as well as employment for workers involved in the Honeycombe Beach flats development and construction of Europe’s first artificial surf reef.
Bournemouth Surf School is also enjoying the spin-off, teaching more than 5,000 people last year with a 30 per cent increase in turnover during the past two years.
The much-needed seafront investment forms part of a £101 million tourism cash injection for the resort including Bournemouth’s first “eco hotel” at Grove Road, which is due to open later this year.
After years of hotel closures, as owners sold off prime sites to developers, several hotels are now undergoing major refurbishment, including the Mayfair on Bath Road and the Trouville on Priory Road.
Last year’s air festival boosted the local economy to the tune of £30 million and set a new £1.3 million visitor record for Bournemouth.
Hopes are now pinned on the third air festival, from August 19 until August 22, being even more of a success.
The creation of a new £3.29 million dance centre will enable Bournemouth Pavilion to host world-class events.
Tourism director Mark Smith said: “Bournemouth is once again showing that destinations that continue to invest, even when there is a downturn in the national economy, can reap the benefits.
“Over £100 million is being invested in accommodation, transport, entertainment and restaurant improvements for 2010 to bring new tourism income and jobs.”
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