AROUND six million fewer people visited Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole town centres and Christmas lights during the festive period. 

It is estimated that 11.5 million people visited the festive attractions put on by BCP Council through November and December, the authority has said. 

However, this is roughly a 30 per cent decrease in footfall compared with Christmas 2022 when there were 17 million visitors. 

BCP Council’s deputy leader Millie Earl blamed bad weather and the cost of living crisis as reasons for the fall. 

She said: “Decreases in footfall were not only experienced during the Christmas period. Most coastal destinations saw lower footfall figures throughout last year. 

“We believe that several factors are responsible for this decrease, including the weather experienced before Christmas 2023, particularly the significant rainfall in December.  

“A substantial rise in the cost of living also means that people are spending less on non-essentials, presents and experiences.” 

More than five million people went to see Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland which included the Santa Express, markets and ice skate rink. 

Meanwhile, more than two million went to see what Christchurch had to offer, including a market and fair rides. 

In Poole, more than 4.4 million visitors went to see the Maritime Light Trail which illuminated the town with dazzling lights and decorations.  

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 2023 and Christmas market.

Cllr Earl added: “Once again, Christmas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was a festive delight with so much going on across our three towns. 

“Our free light trails in Bournemouth and Poole and the events in Christchurch helped to encourage people to our town centres.  

“Local residents came out, connected with friends and family and enjoyed these free local attractions. 

“Visitors from further afield also came to our area and provided an important boost to the local economy, especially our hospitality sector, while they enjoyed the Christmas lights.” 

As reported, visits to the Christmas Tree Wonderland trail, Christmas market, and SKATE Ice Rink averaged at 94,500 per day, a new record. 

Christmas in Bournemouth was organised by Seventa Events, SKATE, and BCP Council, and declared a “triumph” by all.