9.20

Paragraphs 9.20 and 9.22

Bourne Leisure notes that paragraph 9.20 states that "one problem is a lack of quality visitor accommodation. The town currently has 1,000 serviced visitor bed spaces, which are not all good quality, compared to a total of 8,000 in 1951 (excluding camping and caravans)".

Paragraph 9.22 then specifically states that "self-catering accommodation, mainly caravans and camping, actually provides more spaces than the traditional hotels and guest houses. Most is located on several large sites including the Combe Haven ...".

Bourne Leisure does not accept the subsequent statement that there has been "no recent evidence" of demand for further caravan and camping accommodation in the town; this is not Bourne Leisure's view of the current and future visitor economy in Hastings. Bourne Leisure nonetheless strongly agrees with the Council that emerging policies should be:

"... maintaining and where possible improving the quality of what is there is important. Therefore any proposals to upgrade the facilities will be supported wherever possible- in order to support jobs growth and encourage continued visitor spend".

Priorities for Tourism

Bourne Leisure then specifically supports the following priorities for tourism:

* working towards an all year-round tourist season; and
* retaining and supporting improved accommodation.