Local Issues

Tourism

Supporting British Tourism Week	Visiting Travelodge, Bournemouth

SUPPORTING BRITISH TOURISM WEEK

During March, 2008, I was very pleased to support British Tourism Week.  Together with other Members of Parliament, I signed a huge postcard supporting our vibrant tourist industry in Britain which is worth £85 billion a year.  The industry is critically important to the national economy but especially to Bournemouth.

As part of British Tourism Week last year, I visited the new Travelodge in Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, where I met the District Manager and other members of staff.  I was most impressed by the contribution that Travelodge is making to the tourist industry both in Bournemouth and in the U.K. as a whole.

SUPPORTING TOURISM IN BOURNEMOUTH WEST

Tourism is very important to Bournemouth and I was able to promote the attractions of our town during a debate in Westminster Hall on the 7th June, 2007, on the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Report on Coastal Towns. 

I pointed out that when I was first elected to Parliament in 1983, Bournemouth was not the thriving place it is now and drew attention to the changes that have been made to improve it over the years:

The decision to build the Bournemouth International Conference Centre and subsequently to refurbish it which has made the town extremely successful as a conference venue. 

The expansion of our education facilities:  12,500 students at Bournemouth University and 10,000 students of English as a foreign language.

Encouraging major financial services companies to move to Bournemouth which has increased employment in the town enormously.

The Report was the result of an inquiry into coastal regeneration and it has identified the problems being faced by coastal towns like Bournemouth.  In my speech, I drew attention to one of these problems, namely day visitors with all their additional burdens on local authorities, police, health services and other local services.  At the height of the summer season, for instance, the greater conurbation of Bournemouth goes from dealing with 500,000 to dealing with more than 1 million people.  For instance, there are many young people who come to Bournemouth for the night to go clubbing which, although bringing a lot of business and spending power to the town, also imposes a huge burden on the police for instance.  I pointed out that, unfortunately, the Government has abolished the day visitor allowance which has caused difficulties for the local authority to create an environment in which to attract visitors.

You can read a verbatim report of the debate, including my speech, by clicking on :http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070607/halltext/70607h0001.htm#07060791000004

OPPOSING CHANGES TO THE HOTEL BUILDINGS ALLOWANCE

I am very concerned at the Government's proposal in the Budget this year to abolish the Hotel Buildings Allowance.  The Allowance meant that, when a new hotel building was constructed, 4% of the construction cost could be claimed against profits chargeable to tax.

I believe that its abolition, together with the increase in small companies tax, will not only deter new investment but will place huge burdens on the hospitality industry.  I have, therfore, written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pointing out that it will be particularly damaging for many businesses in Bournemouth West.  I believe that this will be especially so if, as it appears, the Government makes its application retrospective and that it could result in huge unanticipated tax bills for the hotel industry.  I have, therefore, pressed him to amend the proposal.