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Sponsorship: Key opportunity for adventurous experiential brand
As the UK's top resort destination, Bournemouth attracts over 5 million visitors per year. Bournemouth continues to innovate with new attractions and increased investment and this Autumn (2007) it is launching Europe's first Artificial Surf Reef. As a result Bournemouth is offering a very unique opportunity to brands interested in sponsoring the Reef.
The sponsorship package will provide naming rights to the Reef, together with the development of a surfing academy outlet, the opportunity to brand outdoor events and competitions as well as product placement. In addition there is a possibility of associated surfing retail opportunities. The Surf Reef is attracting a great deal of commercial interest and the Council will have a deal signed by Spring 2007.
The global advertising value of the Reef is estimated to be worth £10 million.* The UK surfing industry is worth £200m per annum and growing.*
Sarah May, Contracts Manager at Bournemouth Council says: "We are offering the naming rights to one of Europe's high-profile newest attractions which appeals to a growing market and attract participants and spectators with diverse ages who will visit from across the world. Due to its unique nature and appeal the Reef is a major commercial asset. Opportunities exist for the title sponsor to be associated with what is probably going to be one of the UK's top surfing destinations."
The Reef is designed to greatly improve surfing conditions at Boscombe beach, in Bournemouth bay, and more than doubles the number of surfing days per year to 153 per year. The challenging waves generated will be grade 5 and result in a surf ride length of 65 m. Bournemouth's award-winning beaches, renowned gardens, diverse dining and shopping offer gives the resort major appeal to UK visitors from the South East and Midlands and is easily accessible, being only two hours' drive time from London.
The design company behind the Boscombe surf reef, ASR Ltd, has previously designed three artificial surf reefs. Their first was located at Narrowneck on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia in 1999. This reef has been a great success in terms of providing ‘one of the best surfing spots on the coast' as well as developing into a ‘natural' reef ecosystem that supports a dive trail. Footage of the Narrowneck reef can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWoL87P12dc
All companies are requested to contact Sarah May to discuss possible opportunities: Sarah May, Contracts Manager, T: 01202 451 760 E: sarah.may@bournemouth.gov.uk
*SPORT INDUSTRY RESEARCH CENTRE (SIRC)
05 March 2007