If you thought Bournemouth had an extra spring in its step this summer, you were right! The numbers are in, and an incredible ten million trips were made to our town centre between June and August. That's not just a statistic; it's the sound of a town buzzing with energy, confidence, and a whole lot of new things for you to see, do, and taste.  

This amazing wave of visitors has brought a surge of confidence that you can see and feel, and it's feeling that's growing. The town centre is enjoying a fantastic refresh, with exciting new names popping up to give you more choice than ever. The star of the show is undoubtedly The Botanist, the stunning new bar and restaurant that has smashed its own records, calling its Bournemouth opening its "most successful to date".

Antony Doyle, Operations Director at The Botanist, said: “Our new flagship in Bournemouth has become our most successful opening to date, with sales exceeding our expectations since we launched in May. It’s an incredible response, which reflects the value of investing in the town and shows there's a strong appetite locally for what The Botanist offers.” 

Bobby’s, where The Botanist is based, says they’ve had an ‘exceptional summer’ with a spokesperson saying: “We welcomed a new retail space with Bobby’s Emporium. Supporting local independent retailers and makers alongside the reopening of the tunnel which captures tourism footfall from the gardens and the beach. In May we welcomed the Botanist quickly becoming the go to spot this summer with its cocktail menu and sun-soaked rooftop terrace.” 

But the fun doesn't stop there. You can now grab a delicious treat from the popular artisan bakery Wenzel's, enjoy a themed night out at Barbara's Bier Haus, or find the latest gear at Sport It First. And for those who love discovering something unique, a new generation of independent boutiques like Revival, Live On, and Blink have also opened their doors, adding to the town's special character.  

This success story isn't happening by accident. Our town's leaders are working hard to keep the momentum going and ensure Bournemouth remains a top-tier destination. As Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, puts it, the reality is that "businesses and visitors have confidence in our town centre". That confidence is backed by forward-thinking plans, like a new scheme to help bring empty shop units back to life, ensuring the town always feels fresh and vibrant.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “It was great to see the town centre benefitting from the increased number of visitors driven by the fantastic weather & the events that made a real difference to the town."

“It’s vital that everyone works together to support businesses in these challenging times, especially as we start the run up to the vitally important Christmas period.” 

Underpinning it all is a commitment to making sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. This summer, the brilliant LV= KidZone beach safety scheme helped reunite 130 lost loved ones, a small detail that makes a big difference and offers peace of mind for families enjoying our beautiful coastline.  

So, what does this all mean for you? It means there's never been a better time to visit Bournemouth. The sun might be a little lower in the sky, but our town is shining brighter than ever. Come and see for yourself why ten million visits were just the start of the story. We can't wait to welcome you!

For tourism press enquiries, email: pr@bptourism.co.uk

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