Bournemouth Echo
·Jul 2026
More should be done to promote tourism away from the coast
Councillors from inland Dorset warn that the county’s tourism strategy focuses too heavily on coastal attractions while overlooking inland towns such as Blandford, Shaftesbury, and Gillingham. Concerns are raised that Dorset is missing opportunities to promote sustainable tourism and match the environmental reputation of Cornwall and Devon. Councillors argue for greater parity between coastal and countryside marketing, more support for specialist events, and better involvement of local members in planning. Dorset Council is advised that effective promotion will require collaboration with town councils and other organisations.