Published on Friday 03 July 2020
Ahead of this weekend’s reopening of bars, restaurants, hotels and attractions, BCP Council has been involved in multi-agency working to ensure Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is ready to welcome back visitors once again.
Plans are in place to support the return of ‘stay’ visitors to the area and guide the industry in adapting to changes that allow them to re-open once more.
In the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area tourism and hospitality is worth more than £1 billion to the local economy and employs around 17,300 people.
Following last week’s events on the beaches, a multi-agency summer management plan has been agreed should conditions arise again that led to behaviours witnessed and problems experienced.
Councillor Lewis Allison, Portfolio Holder for Destination, said: "Tourism and hospitality is a huge contributor to the local economy in this area and I am pleased to see all the proactive planning that has been done to safeguard the return of visitors in a responsible way. We have to remember that this area is a huge tourism destination visited by people from all over the UK and internationally and many of our local businesses have been looking forward to putting out the welcome mat once more."
The council has supported the sector re-opening by providing government guidance, visiting premises to help set up covid-19 prevention measures and agreeing plans with our multi agency partners to ensure adequate resources are available to manage an influx of visitors over the peak summer months.
All seafront public toilets, town centre amenities and attractions will be available from this weekend or the days leading after. A full complement of seafront ranger staff are also in place.
Cllr Allison added: "Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are used to hosting large numbers of visitors every year. I am confident about the preparations which have been done by the council, the sector itself and other public sector partners to support a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We urge all our visitors, staycationers and resident day trippers to respect and protect as well as enjoy themselves."