Independent TV travel expert says new tourist tax could have positive effect on BCP area

An independent TV travel expert says plans to raise around £2 million a year from a tourist tax could have a positive effect on Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The levy of £2 a night per room in larger hotels only will be used to increase budgets for major events such as Bournemouth Air Festival and Christmas Tree Wonderland.

Rob Staines, pictured, who was born and bred in Bournemouth and has visited nearly 70 countries spanning six continents, says other UK coastal destinations will be watching closely.

He told Bournemouth One: “Tourist taxes in various destinations around the world are actually nothing new and most people don’t even notice that they’re subjected to them whilst travelling.

“What’s different in this situation is that Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are becoming the UK’s first coastal resort to implement a levy and there will be most likely other destinations in the UK who’ll be watching this initiative closely.

“The levy of £2 a night per room in larger hotels only will be used to increase budgets for major events like Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea and Christmas Tree Wonderland that attract locals and tourists each and every year but were planned for extreme cost-cutting measures.

“These events benefit the local economy, local communities and visitors.

“UK holidays aren’t always necessarily the cheapest option and lots of resorts around the UK are really struggling to remain attractive options for tourists.

“Whilst this is an additional cost, it has been kept as minimal as possible for visitors.

“But actually the positive result of improving Bournemouth and the area as a destination could have such a positive effect all round.

“It seems the extra income generated is definitely being spent in the right way to improve the overall experience whilst also attracting new visitors.”