Established less than 2 years ago, in 2006, the ground-breaking Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) was set up to “Develop and assist delivery of a shared vision for a prosperous tourism industry in Bournemouth that will enable the Borough to develop as a market leading resort.” This is the country’s first board that truly represents all sectors of the visitor economy including the often overlooked, but vital, services of transportation, entertainment and retailing.

The BTMB has a very different tourism partnering formula that holds the BTMB members collectively responsible for the town’s destination management.

Member’s List:
The following tourism industry sectors are constitutional members of the BTMB committee
Conferencing - Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), Bournemouth International Conference Bureau (BICB) and venues
BTMB member - Clive Tyers Head of Conferencing & Exhibitions, BIC and Deputy Karina Gregory BICB Manager
Accommodation - Hotels, guest houses, self-catering accommodation;
BTMB member – BAHA Chair Alison Gandolfi and Deputy Des Simmonds from Bournecoast.
International Education - Accredited language schools, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth & Poole College of FE and the Arts Institute,
BTMB member – Alan Fyall Head of Research and David Vann both from School of Services Management at Bournemouth University
Town Centre - Police, Town Watch (licensed premises), entertainment and retail,
BTMB member - Rosemary Classon General Manager Borders Stores and Deputy Roger Parker, Town Centre Manager
Leisure & Attractions - Attractions, events, restaurants, culture and sports
BTMB member - Andy Price, Gamegrid and Deputy James Eels, The Oceanarium.
Transport & Environment - Buses, taxis, Bournemouth International Airport and parking/signage/highways
BTMB member - Alex Carter, Managing Director Wilts & Dorset and Deputy Andrew Smith, Transdev.

The Board also includes elected and professional officers from Bournemouth Borough Council and experts from; South West Tourism, South West Regional Development Agency, Poole Tourism Management Board and the Chief Executive from Bournemouth Borough Council.

Acting as a voice for tourism, the BTMB benefits the industry and tourism sectors, by providing a strong, unified voice for local, regional and national tourism issues that impact business efficiency. In addition, the Board ensures the performance of the resort’s tourism management, marketing and development activity is both competitive and effective. This performance management gives an active role to the sector representatives and responsibility in influencing the business planning, resource allocation and performance monitoring of Bournemouth Tourism.

Don’t forget next month’s interview with Chairman, Mike Francis talking about the recent successes and exciting plans for the future.