A NEW 'bold and exciting' charge for tourists staying in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will raise around £2million for the area every year.

The hotel and tourism industry in the town says the initiative would ‘secure and develop’ the conurbation’s position as one of the nation’s leading destinations.

The plans would see about 70 businesses introduce a visitor charge of around £2 per night, which is similar to what tourists pay in Europe and the USA, creating an Accommodation BID (ABID).

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It is anticipated this charge will raise around £2million every year, which will be invested back into the area.

The plans have been drawn up by a shadow board with representatives from the hotel sector, the BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), the Destination Management Board (DMB), the four existing BIDs and BCP Council.

The money raised will be invested in three key areas.

These are: international and domestic destination marketing, PR and events for leisure and business; destination placemaking and logistics; and destination showcasing, funding and partnerships.

This will ultimately be decided through consultation with the industry in February and March.

There will be a ballot of around 70 accommodation providers in April 2024 to allow the ABID’s introduction.

DMB chair Andy Lennox said: “The DMB is committed to a cross-sector and bi-partisan approach to getting this destination back on track.

“The ABID is a unique proposition for our three towns and its swift implementation is one of the most important opportunities for our local business community both now and in the future.

“Its successful delivery will reverberate around the conurbation for many years to come.

“We are committed to ensuring that it is successful and that it helps delivers a clean, green, safe, vibrant and eventful conurbation for businesses and residents in the future.”

Rosie Radwell from Marsham Court Hotel is chairing the Shadow Board.

She said: “Destinations are having to come up with different ways to remain competitive.

“This requires new ways of thinking and investment.

“Manchester and Liverpool have been the first places to introduce Accommodation BIDs and we want to be a step ahead and become the first coastal destination to do so.”

David Bailey, president of BAHA and vice chair of the shadow board said: “The great thing about this concept is it is based on performance, hotels will only contribute commensurate with their occupancy.

“Going forward it will also mean the management and development of our visitor offering will largely be in the hands of the industry.”

Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council said: “We as a council welcome the industry’s pro-active approach and are excited at the prospect of working in partnership with the proposed new Accommodation BID, to deliver a more productive and resilient visitor economy and destination management.

“As the council moves to a new way of working, as an enabler rather than deliverer. We will do everything within our power to help the process to a successful conclusion.”