Published: June 19, 2012
Olympics and Euro 2012 blamed for tourism downturn in Burnham

The Olympics and Euro 2012 are partly to blame for a 15 per cent downturn in Burnham-On-Sea's summer tourist trade, it has been claimed this week.

The high number of summer televised sporting events - in addition to poor weather - are leading to a reduction in advance bookings, according to tourism bosses.

Burnham guest house owner Tom Ashton, who is a director at Somerset Tourism Association, says trade is "disappointing."

He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Bookings at guesthouses and holiday parks in our area are down by around 10-15% on last year."

"The poor weather and depressed economy certainly aren't helping us - but Euro 2012 is keeping people in front of their TVs and the Olympics is also hurting some parks' summer bookings."

"We've actually had a 'triple whammy' of events this year because the Jubilee was also fairly quiet for tourism since many would-be visitors stayed at home for street parties and to watch the televised celebrations."

Burnham Pier Manager Louise Parkin, pictured, agrees. "Trade has not been brilliant this year. The weather has been poor, and I definitely think The Olympics will hurt Burnham's tourist trade," she told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

"There's been so much publicity about watching the Games and billions of pounds of money has been spent on promoting London and the Olympics venues like Weymouth with no thought for other areas of the country struggling to attract visitors."