A BOURNEMOUTH gelateria is hoping to scoop the award for number one ice cream destination in the world.

Tucked away in the town centre’s Burlington Arcade, Giggi Gelateria is currently second on the leaderboard in a tight race to be crowned the top ice cream parlour. Hoping to secure the votes of Bournemouth residents and beyond is owner Luigi Bray.

He said: “If we win, it will be amazing for Bournemouth to have a place in such a high position for ice cream.

“We’ve tried to spread the word everywhere and involve as many people as possible. I think it’s great we’re one of the top as we so love what we do.”

Compiling the world ice cream index is digital marketing agency SoolNua, whose aim is to recognise the authentic experience that local ice cream stores offer to people. Luigi, who lived in the small Italian town of Alezio before opening his gelateria in Bournemouth in 2008, said it was vital to be authentic.

“It’s not only about money, it’s about passion, and people pick up on that. I’m not looking to be famous; I’m really a very simple person. What I want to try to deliver in my business is an experience and quality is the key.”

The source of Luigi’s passion derives from his family’s ice cream business in Italy, which had to close down when his father became ill. Following a one-off visit to Bournemouth, he decided it was the perfect location to open his own business.

“It was August 2007 and it was so hot that summer. We were on the seafront and wanted to buy an ice cream, except no-one was making proper Italian ice cream at the time. Bournemouth was a great location and it was a great time to start this business,” he explained.

“I asked my mama for all the old recipes and opened Giggi Gelateria the next year. After nine years, we eventually built a good reputation and expanded our premises in Bournemouth and opened two more branches in Poole and Swanage.”

Although he won’t reveal the secret behind his index-topping ice cream, Luigi did disclose his best-selling flavours. “Pistachio is one of the top flavours for the season and people are going absolutely crazy for salted caramel too.”

The competition closes on September 1, so to make a vote visit soolnua.com/icecream. Alternatively visit the Giggi Gelateria Facebook page and share the link.