THE 2012 Olympic Games could actually take tourism spending away from areas like Bournemouth.

That was a key message as Bournemouth’s head of tourism warned of four key challenges in the year ahead.

Mark Smith told October’s meeting of the town’s chamber of trade that he hopes they can be overcome with a positive approach.

Firstly, he said, national discretionary spending had dropped by eight per cent during August, according to analysts.

“It was the worst recorded drop,” he added.

The second big challenge was in getting grant funding, especially European money.

Thirdly, he said, research showed major events like the Olympics took the focus away from where people would normally spend money.

He said they also help in the long term by boosting trade generally and the country’s profile.

But he said: “It’s another fact that’s not necessarily moving in our direction. Weymouth and Portland will pick up most of it.”

He said the challenge would be to maintain focus and unity between businesses and the council, saying Torquay was only just recovering from 10 years of “almost fighting the enemy within”.

He added: “I think we have the networks we have got, and the positive attitude. We are well placed.”