A ‘GEOTHERMAL spa’ and the regeneration of the BIC could be round the corner as part of BCP Council’s plans to boost tourism.
Plans for a range of new ideas to establish Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as one of the world’s leading coastal destinations will be discussed by the council’s cabinet next week.
The proposed Tourism Strategy is the first ‘whole place’ plan for the three towns and, if approved and successful, could see growth in tourism, international education and business tourism.
Stretched until 2027, the plans could initially see a new film festival by 2024 and the relaxation of the current tourism accommodation retention policy to allow for a more market-led approach to accelerate redevelopment.
A geothermal spa – like those in Iceland – is also being proposed and would, according to the council, develop the conurbation as a “leading centre for wellbeing”.
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From 2024 to 2026, funds could see the regeneration of Winter Gardens, Poole Quay, Boscombe district centre and Saxon Square in Christchurch – all sites the council says support experiential tourism.
Long term, from 2025 to 2027 and beyond, the council is looking at investing in new and upgraded visitor attractions, including a major visual arts gallery at Poole’s former power station site and the regeneration of the BIC and Winter Gardens.
Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and vibrant places, said: “Tourism is a key sector for our region. Its success can be seen in the benefit it provides to residents: it generates over £1.3billion a year to our economy and supports thousands of jobs.
“We are an aspiring council, supporting our visitor economy to grow and develop as a world class leisure destination; enabling the connection between visitor experience and resident well-being, that enriches the quality of life for our visitors and our communities.
“This first ‘whole place’ tourism strategy for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, which has been co-produced with the Destination Management Board (DMB), sets out key ambitions for the next five years.”
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Craig Mathie, chair of the DMB, said: “Aligned to our unique proposition for international and domestic students, business events and conferences, our beautiful area has untold potential for visitors, residents and businesses alike.
“The last few years have been challenging for the local tourism industry, but our strategy sets out a clear and compelling vision for our destination.
“I am confident it will boost our vital visitor economy and secure our place as one of the best coastal places in the world to live in and visit.”
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