BOURNEMOUTH could be in for a bumper summer season, according to latest data.

Analysis by vacation rental data specialist Key Data suggests the town is set to welcome more visitors this summer than last year.

Key Data says holiday let occupancy levels are already 32.9 per cent higher in July and August compared to the same period last year.

Over the same period, Key Data says average nightly rates have risen 6.8 per cent from £192 last summer to £205 this year.

Sally Henry, VP of business development at Key Data, said: “Bournemouth looks set for a bumper tourist season over the summer holidays, with interest in stays for July and August surging compared with a year ago.”

Ms Henry added: “The jump in occupancy rates not only signals a stronger season ahead, but the numbers highlight the growing appeal of Bournemouth as a UK tourist destination.

“A rise in demand could be due to the staycation trend in the UK, with the cost of living crisis potentially encouraging travellers to swap prime tourist destinations for better value alternatives.”

Key Data says the rise in demand could be down to a number of factors, including the town’s beaches, nightlife and its pier as well as major upcoming events which attract thousands of visitors.

This includes Bournemouth Air Festival which takes place between Thursday, August 31 and Sunday, September 3.

The company says Bournemouth is faring well when compared to England as a whole, which has only seen a 16 per cent rise in occupancy for this summer compared to the same point in the 2022 booking season.

Meanwhile, nightly rates across England have risen 9.2 per cent, from £176 to £192.

Key Data said: “The summer holiday is often seen as something to be protected at all costs, no matter the economic headwinds. One explanation for the increased interest in those areas featured in the research is that the cost of living crisis is forcing travellers to take trips that represent better value.”