THE search is on to find a volunteer to chair a new conurbation-wide tourism management board for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority.

The destination management board (DMB) is set to replace the Bournemouth and Poole tourism management board to reflect the new authority area and its 'City by the Sea' aspiration.

Members of the existing board are hoping to elect a "dynamic individual" as their new chair. Nominations are now being sought for the role, with entries closing on Friday, January 11.

A statement on Bournemouth tourism's website says the chair will take the board forward to ensure that it represents the interests of all businesses, not only tourism, which support the local economy and contribute towards the development of the destination as a place to visit, work and live.

Outgoing chair of Bournemouth and Poole tourism management board Andy Woodland said he was excited about the new board and its ambitions.

“We have led many other destinations in the UK over the past 15 years in having a tourism management board that works together and represents the interests and aspirations of a diverse number of sectors - Accommodation, International and UK Educational Tourism, Business Improvement Districts, Transport, Conference & Convention and Leisure & Attractions," said Mr Woodland.

“We have been successfully working with Bournemouth and Poole local authorities to ensure we can all develop and deliver a more vibrant tourism offer that, as an industry, contributes more than £3/4 billion for the local economy.

“By widening the strategic scope both geographically and in the number of sectors, it further strengthens the collective position of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as a top UK destination whilst exploiting each of the towns’ own individual brands.”

To obtain a nomination form, email jon.weaver@bournemouth.gov.uk.