BEACH-goers of the future could be charged for the privilege of stretching out on the sands and using seafront facilities, a tourist chief has revealed.

But public contributions towards the running costs of resorts would ensure that British beaches are safe, litter-free and preserved for future generations, according to South West Tourism's chief executive Malcolm Bell.

Addressing a conference organised by environmental charity Encams at Bournemouth's Royal Bath Hotel yesterday, Mr Bell told delegates from all over the country: "If they want all the facilities, maybe consumers should contribute as well by paying beach charges."

He said: "A day on the beach is a relatively cheap activity compared with a trip to a multi-screen cinema which could cost £25 for just a couple of hours' entertainment.

"If a family goes to a leisure centre or swimming pool, they could pay anything between £10 and £60. I believe the public would be willing to pay more to get more but they would have to see improvements and where their money is being spent.

"A beach charge could cover the cost of car-parking, beach cleaning and lifeguards. Both visitors and local people want better toilets and facilities like showers. If we presented it right and delivered more, I don't think many people would object to paying perhaps £2.50 or £3.

"For that charge the beach would have to be well-maintained and safe," he stressed. "It would be good value for money and all the revenue generated would go towards improving facilities and the environment.

"Obviously we would need the endorsement of organisations like the RNLI, wildlife groups and Encams. As a father I certainly wouldn't have a problem paying a small fee like £2 to enjoy extra beach facilities and be assured of clean toilets."

Encams' South West regional director Tim Stokes said his organisation was also exploring the concept of "a visitor payback" scheme.

"A beach in Cornwall has already introduced a scheme whereby the car park receipts are used to pay for lifeguards, a beach ranger and cleaning costs. A caf in Devon gives customers the option of paying an extra five pence on tea or ice cream. Money raised goes towards managing local wildlife areas," he added.

"It is all about encouraging visitors to give something back if they appreciate an attraction. It could take various forms, such as a donation box. People would not be forced to pay and it certainly wouldn't be a tax on tourism."

Bournemouth's head of tourism Mark Smith, who also addressed the conference, said he wasn't in favour of beach charges.

"I don't think it would be right to charge people to go onto the beach. One of the advantages we have over destinations like Italy is that we do not have private beaches. Charging for seafront car parking is much fairer."

First published: October 3