The area has been plastered in the media for all the wrong reasons.
Media reports of crime, bad behavior, and litter are impacting hotel bookings in Bournemouth, England. The town is famous for its sandy beaches, but this summer, it has experienced a slight downturn. Hoteliers are blaming negative coverage for scaring people away from the region.
Rosie Radwell, owner of Marsham Court Hotel, said they experienced a slow summer and blamed the “scaremongering” for cancellations. May, June, and July had fewer bookings than last year, while business picked up in August. The quietest weekend was Aug. 29-Sept. 1, when the hotel filled just 47% of its rooms. “Other hotels in the areas where guests have cancelled say it is because of what has been going on in the media.”
According to Radwell, the situation is not as bad as reported. “Photos are being shown of the rubbish at the end of the day, but they don’t show what a great job the council do clearing it up.”
David Bailey, president of the Destination Management Board in Bournemouth, added that businesses are feeling frustrated. “It is a very challenging time for all areas of the hospitality and the negative publicity that our area has garnered this summer has just impacted horrendously on these businesses.” The town has issues, he continued, but it is still a great place to visit.
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Hoteliers in Bournemouth have also launched a campaign, Check In – Chill Out, to shift attention away from the negative news. The BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA) insisted that the issues have been exaggerated and said the association wants to reclaim its story.
Radwell, who is also part of BAHA, told the BBC there is a need to challenge the bleak coverage. “We want that positivity to spread and when visitors feel it too, the whole community benefits. We can definitely feel the tide turning, people have had enough of the negativity.”
Bournemouth is one of England’s most popular coastal spots, especially during hot days. Millions drive down each year to enjoy its seven miles of sandy beaches, but recently, its problems have drawn heavy attention.
Related: Businesses Warn: Anti-tourism Protests Are Driving People Away
A Slew of Bad News
There has been a string of negative media reports featuring Bournemouth Beach, from a murder in May last year to coverage of rubbish left on the sand. Law enforcement activity increased this summer, with police patrolling key locations and dispersing crowds. Drinking rules have also tightened; if someone cannot produce a physical ID when asked, their alcohol is confiscated.
Amid this, a volunteer patrol group is also trying to keep the streets safe. Dorset Police, however, have not endorsed the group, saying its members have not been vetted or trained and may not have the equipment to patrol effectively.
Overall, anti-social behavior in the region is down compared to last year, according to Dorset Police. However, there have still been many incidents attracting negative attention. In June, a brawl broke out on the beach, injuring a girl and police officers. Later, the council and Dorset Police announced they would confiscate alcohol and illegal substances when necessary and fine people for irresponsible behavior such as playing loud music, urinating in public, or showing aggression.
Parking is also a problem during summer months. More than 1,300 parking fines were issued over one weekend in June, and many cars were impounded for illegal parking.
In addition, the town saw both anti-immigration and pro-immigration protests in August. The demonstrations remained peaceful, and Dorset Police reported no arrests. Radwell noted that the town has asylum seeker hotels, but they have no connection to the tourism industry. “If you keep pushing it out there, it is making it an issue for people wanting to come and they don’t then feel safe,” she added.
