IT was with a mixture of disbelief and despair that I read your report on the supposedly gloomy outlook for Bournemouth’s hoteliers (‘One third of hotels face risk of failure’, April 21). There simply is no need for such pessimism.

Yes, times are tough in the hospitality industry, but in today’s “austerity Britain” the same can be said of almost any business sector. Hotels abroad may be cheaper in some cases, but the cost of overseas travel is often prohibitively expensive.

Britons today see their holidays – whether it’s a weekend break or a full-blown fortnight – as an essential rather than a luxury, and Bournemouth has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

As a comparative newcomer to the Bournemouth hotel scene, I have been singularly impressed with the range and diversity of accommodation on offer in and around the town.

Whether you run an upscale hotel like mine or a rough-and-ready campsite, the key to success – always – is to offer value for money.

Market conditions are undoubtedly difficult (when are they not?), but innovation, attention to detail, quality service and genuine hospitality will enable hoteliers to rise above the challenges.

SIMON SCARBOROUGH General Manager, Norfolk Royale Hotel, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth