TOURISM businesses in Bournemouth are being given free access to online resources to boost their trade.

The new ‘resource hub’ has been launched by the town’s National Coastal Tourism Academy.

Academy director Samantha Richardson recently appealed to MPs to continue funding projects like hers when the current grant runs out at the end of the year.

The hub includes case studies, toolkits, examples of best practice and courses.

Samantha Richardson said: “For the first time, Bournemouth tourism businesses have a dedicated online resource specifically for them.

“But uniquely, this is not simply a business support tool. It features a wealth of practical case studies, toolkits and bespoke research conducted locally to give Bournemouth’s tourism industry new insight into the local market.

“By discovering what visitors want, which markets are growing and how coastal tourism is changing, Bournemouth businesses are in an extremely strong position to make robust business decisions for the future.”

All Bournemouth tourism businesses can log on to download articles from four categories: best practice, market intelligence, toolkits and courses.

As the hub evolves, the intention is for it to summarise academic research into bite-size chunks for busy tourism staff, as well as offering findings from national bodies alongside blogs and features.

Other features include: n The free Bournemouth Ambassador course, with information on the area including modules on wet weather attractions, facilities for visitors with a disability and more.

n A new Poole Ambassador course to ensure staff understand what is on offer in the neighbouring town.

n A Welcome to Bournemouth staff handbook giving an overview aimed at busy receptionists.

n An ‘attractions passport’ with cut-price or free entry to attractions.

n Visitor profiles showing what visitors expect, whether retirees, ‘pre-family’ young people, empty nesters, families or business travellers.

n Research into different sectors including the health and wellness market and business travellers.

n A Destination Check Up wheel offering a step-by-step audit for coastal resorts.

n A Business Development Model offering a jargon-free plan to boost business.

The hub is at coastal tourismacademy.co.uk/resource-hub