The resort management taskforce will operate from the beginning of April to the end of September to co-ordinate operations that will manage any increase in visitors – a model that has been used successfully for more than 12 years when the town has played host to major international events. 

The taskforce will focus on managing the town centres, open spaces, seafront and beaches, with the following measures put into place:   

• extra civil enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices for those parking illegally 
• additional tow away operations to deal with irresponsible parking
• expansion of the ranger team with more staff in place across the season to welcome visitors, keep the beaches clean and safe, and provide a greater security presence 
• enhanced security teams to patrol key town centre locations, car parks, beaches and open spaces 
• extra waste bins in heavy footfall areas
• additional waste collection services along the seafront

The taskforce will share information with transport providers outside the area to identify any potential increase in visitors arriving. Targeted messaging will then be put in place so those coming to the area are aware of the behaviours expected of them.   

Visitors will also be encouraged to protect, respect and enjoy the three towns, particularly to people to enjoy and not damage the coastline. Information about enforcement measures in place will be made prominent.

The council has set aside more than £1million from government funding to set up the taskforce and make sure the resort is prepared.

Portfolio holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture at BCP Council, Cllr Mohan Iyengar, said, “We are proud to be a leading destination, welcoming around 13million visitors a year. This visitor economy generates around £1bn to the local economy, and supports more than 17,000 jobs directly with many services also relying on this. The livelihoods of many local residents rely on this visitor economy, and this last year has been tremendously challenging for operators across hospitality, accommodation, transport, marine, sports, arts, culture, events and many others. It’s important that we support those businesses by engineering the fastest bounce back possible and this year will be one of opportunity. We will welcome people back when it’s safe to do so, making sure we provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.    

“Equally we know that some residents will feel concerned about this year’s busy season and it’s important that we plan and be ready for when lockdown eases and people come to visit.

“Fighting coronavirus and keeping our residents safe is a priority for us and this will be the driving factor behind any decisions we take. As the situation improves and government guidance changes, we hope to be able to welcome visitors back to our towns. We want to re-start activities quickly post-lockdown but host visitors in a way that is safe.

“At this time last year, Covid-19 was new to the world and many were taken by surprise. This time, a multi-agency plan led by BCP Council, the police and other partners will draw on the learnings from summer ’20 and from our knowledge of a year living with the virus. It will also bring in our experience of staging the Bournemouth Air Festival for 12 years which has ensured more than a million attendees enjoy the event safely and with orderly behaviour.

“This time, we’ll see more enforcement around car-parking and anti-social behaviour. Litter and waste-management will be stepped up to keep our resort looking its best.

“The messaging from us throughout will be that we welcome responsible visitors to our resorts: people who will treat things with care, behave reasonably and pick up after themselves. We’ll also be clear that some of the behaviours last year will not be tolerated and will be dealt with. Our partners will take whatever action is necessary.”