A COUNCIL campaign comparing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to the likes of Los Angeles, Portugal and Ibiza has taken social media by storm this week.

Thousands of users on the likes of Twitter and Instagram have both poked fun and supported BCP Council’s £175,000 ‘Feels Like’ campaign, an initiative launched in March to drive staycation visitors and position the region as a comparison to worldwide destinations.

However, several social media posts disputing the message on a bus stop advertising board stating that Bournemouth Pier “feels like L.A.” has been commented on, liked and shared by thousands.

More than 78,000 Instagram users liked a post by popular meme page The Archbishop of Banterbury, who posted an image of the campaign with the caption “Said no one ever” to their 3.7million followers. The post was also captioned with the phrase “Who they trying to fool with this sh*te”.

Despite the criticism lobbied at the campaign, which also compares Poole Harbour to Portugal, some of the most popular comments were actually written in support of the campaign claims.

One user said: “Has anyone actually been to L.A.? Bournemouth is definitely nicer.”

Another said: “I’d choose Bournemouth over L.A. any day.”

Responding to the polarising response, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for tourism said he hoped the campaign would help “change mindsets” and aid the recovery from the pandemic.

Bournemouth Echo: BCP Council's 'Feels Like' campaign which launched in March 2022BCP Council's 'Feels Like' campaign which launched in March 2022

Cllr Mohan Iyengar said: “We’re a top holiday destination and we’re proud of that. Our Feels Like campaign celebrates the very best of our area from our award-winning beaches to our cultural gems and alfresco dining venues beyond the beach.

“We are proud of what the Feels Like campaign aspires to achieve.

“Tourism contributed £1 billion to the BCP economy in 2019 and we normally welcome around 13 million visitors a year.

“We aim to increase visitor numbers to pre-Covid numbers over the next three years and we want to ensure the staycation market performs well. We are optimistic this campaign will help us attract not only staycation visitors but change mindsets.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Mohan Iyengar, portfolio holder for tourism and active health at BCP CouncilCllr Mohan Iyengar, portfolio holder for tourism and active health at BCP Council

“The aim of this campaign is to encourage people to come for longer, visit beyond the beach and stay and explore all we have to offer.

“This campaign, alongside the hospitality recruitment campaign to address the staff shortages faced by the sector due to Covid and Brexit, are one way of showing our support to local businesses to ensure this year will be one of opportunity.

“We are a safe, welcoming resort for residents and visitors alike to enjoy – all are welcome.”