PURBECK has decided to embrace the euro in a bid to boost visits from abroad.

Following in the footsteps of Bournemouth and Poole’s plans to accept the European currency, the area, which relies heavily on tourism, has decided to get involved too.

Dorset as a whole is seeing more visitors from overseas, as they are attracted to the UK by favourable exchange rates, with Sterling now practically level with the euro, whereas around year ago it was about 1.5 to the pound.

Americans are also set to benefit as a number of businesses accept US dollars as well.

The Swanage and Purbeck Hospitality Association is backing the initiative, with support from the Chamber of Trade as well as The Licensed Victuallers’ Association, to adopt a euro-friendly approach.

Julian Maughan, vice chairman of the Swanage and Purbeck Hospitality Association, said: “By adopting an approach of minimum fuss for our overseas visitors we hope that their visit will be even more pleasurable, if that were possible.

“The local Chamber of Trade along with the Licensed Victuallers’ Association welcomes the initiative and is confident that members will embrace the approach. Goods and services can be paid for at the point of sale in euros at the appropriate daily exchange rate, and it is envisioned that members offering the scheme will display stickers to that effect very soon.”

As reported in the Daily Echo, Purbeck’s tourism industry is already expecting a bumper year, as more British people elect to save cash during the recession and holiday closer to home.