Updated 24 July 2020
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Tourism has launched a new campaign to signal the start of the summer season following months of disruption.
The We Are Tourism campaign runs across social media channels in conjunction with local businesses and emphasises the measures implemented by accommodation providers, restaurants and attractions to ensure the safety of visitors to the region in the coming weeks and months. This includes rearranging dining facilities to provide more space between guests, contactless check-in at hotels, and the development of apps to reduce contact in restaurants.
Through the area’s Destination Management Board, BCP Tourism has been working with tourism sector partners and businesses to welcome visitors and provide reassurance that the region is safe, for example by communication the latest COVID-19 regulations and guidance and encouraging businesses to obtain the VisitEngland We’re Good To Go accreditation.
Further reassurance is provided on the seafront, in parks, the town centre and key urban areas where BCP Council has rolled out a comprehensive social distancing signage programme with over 2,130 vinyl pavement roundels, over 1,660 correx boards across urban areas and 800 across the seafront. Some businesses have created experiential videos and webpages to provide a clear understanding of the visitor experience and further illustrate the changes being made.
Cllr. Lewis Allison, portfolio holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities said, “We are thrilled to be able to welcome back visitors to our beautiful part of the world safely and respectfully to enjoy our hospitality. This campaign seeks to remind residents and visitors alike of what we as a destination have to offer which will always aim to put the safety of our patrons first. We are tourism, and we are ready.”
Additionally, BCP Tourism have launched a new app, BCPBeachCheck, which allows visitors to check which of its beaches are the least congested. The app uses a live traffic light system with data fed in from a mix of sources. At the start of the day a prediction is set for each zone, based on previous data and factoring in the date and weather. From mid-morning, the Seafront Ranger team will update each section regularly to reflect any changes in congestion, supplemented by CCTV and footfall counters. The app also provides useful information such as the beach’s lifeguard status, whether toilets areopen, and information on byelaws for cycling along the promenade and exercising dogs.
Cllr. Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council said,”We want to make sure everyone who comes to our shores remains as safe as they can be. It’s not hard to see why so many people flock to our beaches every year and we have witnessed first-hand just how popular our destinations can be.
“However, we want to ensure those that come here take their own safety and wellbeing seriously and that is the purpose of the development of this app. If you arrive you can simply click a few buttons and check to see which beaches have the capacity to accommodate more visitors. With 15 miles of coastline, there is more than enough space for people to be able to spread themselves around and maintain social distancing which is pivotal to ensuring the minimal spread of this pandemic.
“We wish our visitors to be responsible for themselves, their families and others visiting our beach and Enjoy Summer Safely. Respect our beaches, protect yourselves and enjoy our award-winning coastline as safely as you can.”
For more information visit coastwiththemost.com.
