THE South Coast is to host two major political conferences next year.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have both now confirmed that Bournemouth is to host their conferences in the year 2000, following this September's Labour party conference.

But none of the parties are strangers to the South Coast. The Conservatives staged their last conference at Bournemouth in 1997, and the Liberal Democrats in 1998. Labour also held its women's and youth conference at the Bournemouth International Centre last year.

Looking further ahead, the Liberal Democrats have booked the centre for the years 2001 and 2005 as well.

The Labour party conference in September is expected to attract 24,000 delegates and visitors, making it potentially the biggest political conference in Europe.

"This is a first for Bournemouth. Hosting two major political conferences in the same year also emphasises our acknowledged position as one of the UK's top six conference destinations and follows a long string of high profile business wins," said Kevin Sheehan, BIC director.

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