BOURNEMOUTH council has set out its "clear vision for culture" across the conurbation.

The borough's new cultural strategy document is intended to "retain and build on our unique identity so that Bournemouth is recognised as a leading cultural destination as well as a great place in which to live".

Setting out the case for culture the report, two years in the making, quotes research showing that in 2011, 10 million tourists visiting the UK engaged in some way with the arts and culture, representing 32 per cent of all visits and bringing in £7.6 billion.

Just £1 of salary paid by the arts and culture industry translates as £2 generated in the wider economy, it claims.

The report says: "Providing an outstanding cultural offer for our residents is now even more vital to attract and retain talented people who will contribute to our economy and community."

Stats and surveys reveal that Bournemouth's population is "on average, equally likely" to engage with the arts as the rest of the population of England.

There is however a higher than average interest in classical concerts and jazz music, and a slightly lower than average interest in theatre and art galleries "probably due to the opportunities on offer", the report says.

"Compared to the rest of England, in the population residing within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, there is significant over-representation of the more highly and middle culturally-engaged indicating considerable potential for cultural engagement in the area."

The council has also committed to maintaining six Arts Council England national portfolio organisations represented in the area. These include the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Pavilion Dance South West, the Arts by the Sea Festival, Poole Museum, Activate Performing Arts and the Lighthouse in Poole.

At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Councillor Pat Oakley, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and the arts, said: "This provides the necessary road map and structure." He said the two most sought-after season tickets in the area were for the BSO and for AFC Bournemouth, "some would say very diverse cultural events".

It is not clear how the new strategy will be effected by the forthcoming council merger.