Mark Smith, Director of Bournemouth Tourism; Jenni Wilkinson, Transport Representative – Bournemouth Tourism Management Board; Sheena Leaman, Bournemouth Tourism and Des Simmons, Chairman of Bournemouth Tourism Management Board
Bournemouth is one of the latest towns to receive the prestigious ‘Coach Friendly’ towns, cities and villages status from the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT).
Bournemouth has received this award after the work the town has undertaken to provide coaches with greater ease of access to the resort’s key visitor attractions and facilities, while actively promoting coach tourism across the town.
Speaking at the British Tourism & Travel Show in Birmingham, CPT’s Alf Scrimgour said: “CPT is delighted to welcome Bournemouth to its ‘Coach Friendly’ scheme. The status recognises the commitment Bournemouth has made to making sure that coach parties receive a very warm welcome when visiting. Bournemouth has made great strides in recent years to make sure that their offer to coaches, drivers and passengers is second to none.”
On receiving the status, Mark Smith, Director of Tourism for Bournemouth, said: “We are delighted to achieve the CPT ‘Coach Friendly’ status. It is very important that forward-thinking, modern destinations cater well for visitors arriving by coach since they represent a vital part of the tourism market. The ‘Coach Friendly’ status is a recognised standard that Bournemouth is extremely proud to have received.”
Jenni Wilkinson, sector representative on the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) and key player in achieving the accolade, said: “The award is testament to the strong partnership working in the town. The assessor was very impressed with the level of commitment shown across the sectors during the tour. It’s a brilliant result for the town and for the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, which has encouraged and supported the process throughout. For me personally, as someone who genuinely loves Bournemouth, I am thrilled to have been able to be a part of something that has the potential to benefit Bournemouth in such a positive way.”
