This in from Visit England. Ed
During a meeting with Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland commented on the need to consider the potential impact of the Navitus Bay offshore wind farm on Bournemouth’s thriving tourism economy:
He said,
“Tourism is a key part of Bournemouth’s economy and should be taken seriously as a defining factor in any planning decision.
“I can only hope that tourism and its exceptional value will be taken into full and due consideration in the review of the current application for the offshore wind farm, which research has warned could seriously undermine Bournemouth’s aspirations as a leading tourist destination and the long term health of the local economy.
“VisitEngland is about working in partnership to create great destinations and great experiences for all visitors to drive growth in tourism and it would be a huge blow for the economy in the Bournemouth area should any development impact detrimentally on the tourism sector.”
Des Simmons, Chairman of Bournemouth Tourism Management Board said:
“We welcome VisitEngland’s comments – they add national weight to our long and deeply held opposition to the development which would devastate our natural environment and Bournemouth’s tourism based businesses.”
Image: James Berresford (right), Chief Executive of VisitEngland with Andy Woodland (left), Chairman of Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association and John Green (centre), Vice Chairman, Bournemouth Tourism Management Board pictured in front of Bournemouth’s sea front and bay – the proposed site for Navitus Bay’s 121 200 metre tall wind turbines.
