“OLD folks, families and corporate delegates meet club-loads of determined drinkers.”

This is how Bournemouth is described in the latest Lonely Planet guide.

The seaside resort has made it into the ninth edition of the Lonely Planet’s Great Britain guidebook and received the following critique: “In Bournemouth, four worlds collide: old folks, families and corporate delegates meet club-loads of determined drinkers.

“Sometimes the edges rub and on weekend evenings parts of town transform into a frenzy of massive party zones, full of angels with L-plates and blokes in frocks, blond wigs and slingbacks.”

But Jon Weaver, marketing and events manager for Bournemouth Tourism, said while the town was famous for its booming nightlife as well as elderly and family visitors, the town could cater for them all.

He added: “People do come here for a good time and to support this we are renowned and well-regarded for the positive management of our night time economy.

“This includes the Quality Nights Initiative and award-winning Purple Flag for night time economy management.

“These initiatives effectively manage the different needs of different markets, making the resort such a compelling destination.”

The author of the guidebook hit out at many of Britain’s restaurants, accommodation establishments and tourist attractions claiming they are “overpriced or lacking in quality”.

David Else said some of Britain’s tourism industry “just doesn’t deliver” and the wallets of Britons were “struggling to take the strain”.

Mark Smith, director of tourism, said: “The Lonely Planet Guide is regarded very much as a general handbook to Britain, clearly acknowledging the larger city destinations and attractions.

“Fortunately here in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas you can have a great day on a variety of budgets.

“From first-class dining, boutique hotels and stunning locations to award-winning attractions, miles of beautiful beach, international foods and a great choice of accommodation, we offer value for money and have something for everyone – including a superb free four-day Air Festival.

“The variety of choice and appeal of our leading resort was evident during the recent four-day Easter bank holiday when the town was bustling with up to 400,000 visitors and holidaymakers.”