Published: May 4, 2022 | Updated: 5th May 2022
Business leaders have hailed AFC Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League as the best possible news for the local economy.
The Cherries secured their return to top-flight soccer with automatic promotion from the Championship after a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The winning goal was scored in the 83rd minute by substitute Kieffer Moore.
AFC Bournemouth were relegated from the Premier League in 2020 after five seasons.
Their promotion is expected to generate millions of extra pounds for the local economy with hospitality businesses, and especially hotels, among those benefitting.
The Premier League draws the highest global television audience of any football league.
Jacqui Rock, President of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce, said she offered “enormous congratulations” to all at AFCB for reaching the Premiership again.
She added: “The Premier League is the world’s richest club football competition and promotion brings with it some seriously lucrative benefits.
“Brand building and a boost to the local economy are the other winners, with the ripple effect to local tourism.
“It will make a big difference for the area’s hoteliers, attractions, restaurants, bars, etc.
“The people that come are not just the fans but the sponsors behind the visiting football teams too.
“It allows us to extract the maximum value from the opportunity that we’ve all been given and so this is just a fantastic result.”
Tim Seward, Chair of BH Area Hospitality Association, said the Cherries’ promotion was particularly good news for his hotel members.
He added: “This is a massive boost for Bournemouth – and the surrounding area – and the timing after such a difficult period could not be better.
“The name Bournemouth will again be flashed across the globe, increasing even further our name recognition, and bringing to every corner of the world images of our beautiful coastline and resort.
“It’s great news for AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth and also our members and we send all our congratulations to the team.”
