Message from the Director of Bournemouth Tourism
After 16 incredibly exciting and challenging years as Director of Tourism, I cannot think of any better way to leave than knowing that the great British public this week voted Bournemouth to be the number one seaside resort in Britain.
This is a prize that is justly deserved by everyone in the resort and I can’t thank you enough for helping to achieve this success. And how did we do it? Well I believe it is the reward for getting the three 'I's absolutely right:
- Investment
- Integration
- Innovation
Bournemouth's tourism investment has been second to none. Public investment in events and infrastructure has been consistent and strong. This has helped as the catalyst to boost confidence in the resort and encourage more private investment in hotels and attractions. The resort has also invested in attracting the best staff and I would like to pay particular tribute to the first class, professional Tourism Team that has delivered such amazing results and have been a joy to work with (and learn from)!
Bournemouth’s integration of tourism effort is the envy of our rivals. The recent combination of Bournemouth and Poole tourism into a single Tourism Management Board makes perfect sense and will help increase trade.
To have two successful Business Improvement Districts generating funds and working in close cooperation with the council’s Tourism Team creates a real partnership powerhouse.
Perhaps most importantly, the consistent innovation marks Bournemouth out as a leader amongst resorts. I have been constantly impressed with the drive, flair and initiative of local entrepreneurs and with the willingness of local people to give their time and effort to improve the resort. A great example of this innovation in action was the ambitious Air Festival. This was only possible thanks to massive community enthusiasm, bold council commitment and dynamic private sector support to get it off the ground.
So to be the best, the 'I’s are certainly important. But, as is often said, there is no ‘I’ in team and arguably Bournemouth’s biggest asset and competitive strength is that all 12,500 tourism employees function as a single team with a unified purpose – to provide a great experience. In Bournemouth you can almost touch that huge sense of pride in being top of the class – and being determined to stay there! Long may this winning streak continue in Britain’s Best Resort.
Mark Smith
Director of Tourism at Bournemouth Tourism (2002 - 2017)
