GEOFF Cooper asks what the town has done to encourage tourism (‘Tourism for the Tesco Generation’, Echo January 27).

I would like to update him on what the council has done, and is continuing to do, to attract tourists to Bournemouth.

Some of the projects have cost millions of pounds, whilst others have cost very little.

Projects already completed include the new dance centre in the Pavilion, the regeneration of Boscombe seafront and the Boscombe Chine Gardens and the performance area in the Triangle.

Schemes already announced (but not yet completed) include the redevelopment of the Pavilion, redevelopment of the current rowing club site and the establishment of a new rowing centre.

There is also the extension of the land train routes to Boscombe and Bournemouth town centre, the holding of weddings on the beach (surely this will be a wonderful tourist spectacle), developments in the Waterfront building and an increased range of cruises from the pier.

This is a very exciting time for tourism and I assure Mr Cooper that we will continue to invest, as well as encourage others to invest, so as to develop our tourist industry so that we remain Britain’s premier coastal resort.

If he or any other reader has any ideas for further developing tourism, then please contact me.

CLLR ROD COOPER, portfolio holder for economy, leisure and tourism, Bournemouth Borough Council