BOURNEMOUTH has been declared one of the UK’s “coach-friendly” towns.

The accolade was awarded by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

It recognises the work the town has done to provide coach operators with easier access to its key visitor attractions and facilities and to promote coach tourism across the town.

Alf Scrimgour of the CPT said: “The status recognises the commitment Bournemouth has made to making sure that coach parties receive a very warm welcome when visiting.

“Bournemouth has made great strides in recent years to make sure that their offer to coaches, drivers and passengers is second to none.”

Mark Smith, director of tourism at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “It is very important that forward-thinking, modern destinations cater well for visitors arriving by coach since they represent a vital part of the tourism market.

“The Coach Friendly status is a recognised standard that Bournemouth is extremely proud to have received.”

Jenni Wilkinson, head of marketing at Yellow Buses, is sector representative on the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB).

She said: “The award is testament to the strong partnership working in the town. The assessor was very impressed with the level of commitment shown across the sectors during the tour.

“It’s a brilliant result for the town and for the BTMB, which has encouraged and supported the process throughout.

“For me personally, as someone who genuinely loves Bournemouth, I am thrilled to have been able to be a part of something that has the potential to benefit Bournemouth in such a positive way.”

Criteria for coach friendly status include clear route signage, adequate coach parking facilities backed up by parking enforcement and good passenger and coach driver facilities at a coach park. Information about attractions and destinations, provided ahead of the journey, is also a factor, as are dedicated bus lanes and safe drop-off and pick-up points.

The CPT is recognised by the government as the voice of the bus and coach industry. It is the government’s focus for consultation on national and international legislation, local regulations, operational practices and engineering standards.

Its membership is drawn from transport operators of all sizes, down to small family businesses.