Surfing Reef Boosts Bournemouth Hotel Industry

The coastal town of Bournemouth in southern England has long been a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. The picturesque beaches, award-winning gardens, and vibrant nightlife have attracted visitors for decades. However, in recent years, a new attraction has emerged that is boosting not only the town’s tourism industry but also its hotel industry – the world’s first artificial surf reef.

The Creation of the Surf Reef

In 2009, Bournemouth became home to the UK’s first artificial surf reef, known as the Boscombe Reef. The project cost a staggering £3 million and was designed to improve the quality and consistency of waves for surfers in a bid to put Bournemouth on the map as a surfing destination. The reef is made up of 55 giant sandbags, each weighing up to six tons, and stretching over 700 feet out to sea.

Since its creation, the surf reef has faced many setbacks, with initial technical problems resulting in a failure to create the desired waves. However, after much modification, the reef now boasts waves of up to six feet, making it a must-visit destination for surfers of all levels.

The Surfing Culture in Bournemouth

With the creation of the artificial surf reef, Bournemouth has transformed into a hub for surfing enthusiasts, both experienced and beginners. The surf reef has helped the town to attract a new demographic of tourists – those seeking adventure and thrill-seeking activities, rather than just a traditional beach holiday. Surf schools have popped up in the town, offering lessons and equipment hire, making it easier for visitors to try out the sport for themselves.

In addition to the surf reef, Bournemouth also offers a lively surfing culture with regular surfing events, competitions, and festivals taking place throughout the year. The town has also become a popular spot for professional surfers to train and compete, further boosting its reputation as a surfing destination.

The Impact on the Hotel Industry

The introduction of the surf reef has had a significant impact on the hotel industry in Bournemouth. The town has seen a rise in the number of visitors, with many specifically choosing to visit Bournemouth for its surfing opportunities. As a result, hotels in the area have experienced an increase in bookings, both during peak and off-peak seasons.

Hotels have also been quick to capitalize on the surfing trend, offering special packages and deals for surfers. These packages often include accommodation, surf lesson packages, and equipment hire, catering to the specific needs of surfing tourists. This has not only helped to attract more visitors but has also increased the average spending per visitor, benefitting both the hotels and the local economy.

The Future of Bournemouth’s Surfing Industry

The surf reef has undoubtedly been a game-changer for Bournemouth and its tourism industry. What was once known as a traditional seaside holiday destination has now transformed into a surfing hotspot, attracting a new and diverse group of tourists.

With the success of the surf reef, plans are now in place to further develop the town’s surfing opportunities. These plans include the construction of a second artificial surf reef, dubbed the Poole Bay Surf Reef, which will be larger and more advanced than the existing reef. This expansion will undoubtedly attract even more surfing enthusiasts to the area, cementing Bournemouth’s position as a top surfing destination in the UK.

Conclusion

The introduction of the artificial surf reef in Bournemouth has had a profound impact on the town’s hotel industry. The surfing culture that has emerged has attracted a new demographic of visitors, who are spending more and staying longer, benefiting both the hotels and the local economy. With further development and investment in the town’s surfing industry, Bournemouth is set to continue its rise as a top surfing destination in the UK.