Bournecoast, who are the market leaders of self catering holiday accommodation in the Bournemouth area has had sight of market intelligence which reveals these visitors are expected to spend somewhere in the region of £17.6 billion in the process. It would be good to just maintain current visitor levels during this depressed current global economic climate, but early indications from VisitBritain reveal the impact this may have. Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain said: “We are currently on track to see a record number of holiday visits to the UK this year, which suggests that our appeal as a destination remains strong; this level of interest is something we hope to build on as we head in to 2012. “The business traveller market however remains some way down on record levels, with a risk this could decline further” She added. Des Simmons, MD of Bournecoast said: “The Olympics this year gives us an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Britain in a way never seen before, allowing us to position ourselves to appeal to visitors from growth markets such as Brazil, China, India and Russia. Here in Bournemouth we are already nurturing relationships with China, and back in November a contingent of Chinese executives led by Mr Zhao XinFa from Zibo City, visited our area to promote business and educational exchanges, which will all help to assist with expanding international tourism and reinforcing business links with China. He added, “With the predictions of overseas spending it will be a cash injection this Country desperately needs.” All these initiatives will enhance the already strong holiday market to this area and ensure progress is made as in the past couple of years. VisitBritain will be embarking on their largest ever image campaign to help inspire potential visitors to come and enjoy all the great experiences that we have on offer here in the UK. It is working hard to ensure that the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will generate positive PR for Britain, taking advantage of the global interest to increase tourism numbers in the years ahead to create a lasting tourism legacy for the future. The forecast has not only taken into consideration the economic implications for 2012 but it has also looked into the unique dynamics that undoubtedly ensue as a result of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Bournecoast has been providing self catering accommodation in the Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole area for over 50 years and is still family run to this day. It prides itself in providing quality properties and caters for both families and couples’ markets. Properties are inspected by Bournemouth Tourism and hold the Bournemouth Quality Standards awards, assuring visitors that the properties are all of the best possible standard and with their dedicated Customer Care Team on hand to assuage any concerns, you know you’ll be in safe hands. 360 degree virtual tours are available on line, or brochures can be requested via the website at http://www.bournecoast.co.uk or telephone 01202 437888. - ENDS - Image : Des Simmons, MD of Bournecoast Notes to editors: 1. Such is the significance of 2012 for the tourism industry, VisitBritain will undertake a review of this forecast at regular intervals throughout the year. 2. Around 1 million Olympic tickets were made available for overseas applicants from the 8.8 million that were available in total. These were sold through the various National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and their respective Authorised Ticket Resellers (ATRs) 3. VisitBritain will soon undertake an image campaign focused on key global cities, with newspaper and TV ads running alongside ads on cinema screens and in subways. Bournecoast: In 2010 Bournecoast celebrated it’s 50th anniversary and has been family run since it’s inception when it was established by Major & June Webb in 1960. Keith Simmons MBE, the previous managing director and Major Webb’s son-in-law, was then joined by his son and daughters, Des Simmons, Veronica Strongman and Anita Smith, who now run the company with a team of eighteen staff. Bournecoast has been providing self catering accommodation in the Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole area for over 50 years and is still family run to this day. It prides itself in providing quality properties and caters for both families and couples’ markets. Properties are inspected by Bournemouth Tourism and hold the Bournemouth Quality Standards awards, assuring visitors that the properties are all of the best possible standard and with their dedicated Customer Care Team on hand to assuage any concerns, you know you’ll be in safe hands. Bournecoast Property Agents have extended their skill base within the ever changing property market and over the years has invested in a skilled workforce, ensuring each member of the team enjoys dealing with people and property whilst ensuring their knowledge of the whole property market is second to none, providing advantage over most local agents. Issued by: Alex Eaton Marketing Bournecoast alex@bournecoast.co.uk 01202 437888