21/05/2010 - Resort launches own weather service
A seaside resort in Dorset, which says it is losing out on tourists and revenues due to "unreliable" Met Office predictions, has set up its own weather forecast unit.
Bournemouth has launched a first-of-its-kind local service online giving potential visitors three-day forecasts to allow them to "plan their itineraries and wardrobes with confidence".
The decision follows what tourism officials say was a "disastrous" Met Office Whitsun Bank Holiday forecast for a day when beaches along the town were "bathed in strong sunshine".
Hotels and business owners were left fuming as they claimed at least 25,000 potential tourists stayed at home because of the prediction, resulting in revenue losses to the tune of more than £1 million.
Mark Smith, head of Bournemouth Tourism said: "We decided enough is enough. Tourism is too important to Bournemouth to have it damaged by poor forecasts.
"To get the quality and accuracy we need, we have been working with a local weather company, Weathernet, who have many years of experience in producing accurate localised weather forecasts.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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