Around 70 hotels will decide whether or not to introduce a charge for tourists in a bid to raise over £2m per year.
Hoteliers will vote on the new “Accommodation BID” concept, which would operate similar to the current Business Improvement District idea.
The money raised would replace council funding and an online consultation is now open.
Rosie Radwell from Marsham Court Hotel who is Chairing the Shadow Board commented: “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 added: “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 commented: ‘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’.
