Travelodge boss, Mr Grant Hearn, has written to over 100 Members of Parliment in key tourism destinations (including Bournemouth and Poole) throughout the UK.

Travelodge’s boss is asking Bournemouth’s MPs to “stand up and fight for the tourism industry in the House of Commons.”

Travelodge operate two hotels in Bournemouth, Mr Hearn is urging MPs to promote tourism in our area to ensure that the industry thrives along the South Coast.

He said: “The industry needs more than just lip service, as we have huge opportunity within our grasp to help the economy. A lack of action is costing jobs, growth and investment. Whilst we dither, our European neighbours and the USA are successfully pursuing growth via forward-thinking tourism strategies.”

Travelodge’s research states visitor numbers to Bournemouth dropped by five per cent between 2007 until 2011.