Bournemouth Coastal BID wants to encourage people to visit other attractions in the area apart from the beach.

The organisation has funded 50,000 extra tourist guides for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to ensure tourists know what’s on offer this season.

The booklet from BCP Council’s tourism department is being delivered by Coastal BID members to hotels and hospitality businesses.

The booklet informs visitors of where they can go and what they can do, and encourages them to explore places further from the main centres and beyond the beach.

Paul Clarke, chairman of the Bournemouth Coastal BID, said: “This guide was produced in partnership with the council and it’s important to get it into as many visitors’ hands as possible.

“We funded 50,000 extra copies because there are many levy-paying hospitality businesses which can offer these to their guests.

“The booklets come wrapped in a biodegradable bag to ensure that they are Covid safe.

“Our area runs from Hengistbury Head to Westbourne and there are so many places to visit and things to do that are not always known about – even by locals.

“And it is these places that really need help to recover after the lockdowns.

“For example, Hengistbury Head, Tuckton, Southbourne, Pokesdown and Westbourne boast an eclectic mix of things to visit, such as antiques and retro shops, eateries, coastal walks, gardens and even Britain’s smallest cinema.

“We are anticipating a busy season, especially if restrictions are lifted as planned, and after a year of tough trading conditions we must help our levy-payers and the BCP area take as much as they can.

“Hospitality, catering, leisure and retail have really suffered, but there is light at the end of the tunnel now and the Coastal BID is determined to help local businesses make the most of it.”