AN ADVERTISING campaign featuring pictures of the Bournemouth coastline with the slogan “Wish you were here?” began at London Waterloo and at London Underground stations last week.

The pictures of Poole Bay are aimed at reminding visitors to the capital that the resort is open for business.

Mark Smith, Bournemouth council’s director of tourism, said: “This year’s marketing strategy is the culmination of our year-long consultation with the Bournemouth Tourism Marketing Group, and represents the most ambitious plan we have made in the 10 years I’ve been here.

“The ‘Olympic-effect’ was taken into account during this process and the resulting Waterloo poster campaign was specifically designed to capitalise on London’s increased visitor numbers and residents, and bring them down to Bournemouth. “In support of this, other campaigns in 2012 include an official Bournemouth page on TripAdvisor highlighting special events, special offers and branding for the town, interactive advertising on the National Rail website and an advertising campaign on ITV’s Daybreak website throughout the beach wedding competition.”

He said many hoteliers had reported constantly ringing phones in the run-up to the blazing hot weekend and the tourist information centre had seen more enquiries.