Bournemouth is a tourist and regional
centre for leisure, entertainment, culture and recreation. Local author and
former mayor, Keith Rawlings, suggests that Bournemouth has a thriving youth
culture due to its large university population and many language school
students. In recent years, Bournemouth has become a popular nightlife
destination with UK visitors and many clubs, bars and restaurants are located
within the town centre. In a 2007 survey by First Direct, Bournemouth was found
to be the happiest place in the UK, with 82% of people questioned saying they
were happy with their lives.
