£1 million to kick-start tourism in Blackpool

Blackpool Council has unveiled an investment intend to help the resort recover from the near-catastrophic results of the pandemic, worth £A million.

The council has declared that the traditional Illuminations season is going to be extended by two months until January 3, 2022, to allow businesses to extract a few of the losses they have incurred this season using the national lockdown wiping out the lucrative Easter period.

The latest package of support measures include: a large-scale purchase of a programme of destination marketing and new events within the remaining months of this year; development of a new TV-led marketing campaign for 2022 when Blackpool should be able to stage its first full year of tourism activity since 2021; ad]nd the planned creation of a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), led by key stakeholders in the tourism industry and giving the opportunity of a further £1m of funding for marketing and events over the next 5 years.

The proposed TBID, which is launched later this month, will be a partnership between tourism businesses, Blackpool Council, VisitBlackpool and Business Locally, will complement the present Town Centre BID that has delivered outstanding benefits for that town centre economy for over a decade.

Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, said: “The last Twelve months of lockdowns and tier restrictions have had a devastating effect on our tourism and hospitality industry. We all know there are still some difficult months ahead and that it normally takes time for businesses to recuperate in the significant losses they've incurred.

“Once we have previously seen with the cancellation from the air show a few days ago, there is the possibility of further disruption to our traditional events programme, so it is essential that we concentrate on creating new and compelling reasons to visit in addition to showcasing our numerous family attractions and accommodation.

“We are dedicated to doing everything we are able to to accelerate the process of recovery by investing in marketing and events that will persuade folks to holiday here, not just in 2021, but in long term too. We're now working closely with destination partners to build up those plans to utilise funds that are designated for business support and reopening the economy. By extending the Illuminations season to 4 months and complementing by using a much-enhanced Christmas offer, we are confident that businesses will enjoy a powerful finish to the year.”