Blackpool Reports Increase in Summer Visitors Amidst National Challenges

Recent data indicates that a coastal resort experienced an increase in seafront visitors this summer, even amidst a cost-of-living crisis and nationwide civil unrest. Information gathered from mobile phones reveals that pedestrian traffic on Blackpool’s Promenade rose in June, July, and August compared to 2023, reaching a high of 6.8 million visitors in July. A document submitted to Blackpool Council’s Tourism, Economy and Communities Scrutiny Committee detailed an increase in footfall of 9% in June, 41% in July, and 24% in August. The question arises as to how the town succeeded in boosting visitor figures when national tourism has been affected by financial difficulties faced by individuals. It seems that numerous complimentary events hosted in Blackpool served as significant draws, attracting tourists despite these challenges. The Blackpool Air Show, the World Fireworks Championships, and the Illuminations switch-on were crucial in attracting these visitors. Visitor Insights data, which also provides information on visitors’ origins, is used to monitor footfall. Notable events included the Blackpool Air Show, held over two days on 10-11 August, which drew approximately 350,000 attendees. This attendance occurred despite violent disturbances in the resort the preceding weekend, involving nearly 1,000 demonstrators. Civil unrest had emerged in various English towns and cities after the Southport knife attacks, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The riots were triggered by the dissemination of online misinformation concerning the suspect. One month subsequent, September saw a 42% increase in Promenade footfall compared to the prior year, attributed to record attendance at the World Fireworks Championships, which took place across three Saturdays. The statistics indicated a 41% rise in pedestrian traffic, reaching 250,667 from 178,333 in the previous year. Approximately 60,000 individuals also gathered on the Tower Festival Headland to witness Spice Girl Mel B activate the Illuminations. Additional complimentary events organized by the council that have boosted tourism in Blackpool this year encompass the Lightpool Festival, Monster Hunt, and Christmas by the Sea. Events that further enhanced visitor figures involved the presence of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing at Blackpool Tower, Britain’s Got Talent auditions at the Winter Gardens, and BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness cycling through the resort as part of his 300-mile challenge for Children in Need. While the report did not specify the exact number of overnight stays in Blackpool, the committee meeting was informed that events like dance festivals at the Winter Gardens and the Blackpool Cup football competition had resulted in high occupancy rates. A rise in coach travel, the availability of Merlin’s attraction pass, and the extension of the season until early January also contributed to an increase in overnight accommodations. The report stated that although the cost-of-living crisis had affected tourism expenditure, free events were instrumental in attracting visitors. It noted: “Free events become even more compelling at a time when household finances are being squeezed as has been the case post-Covid.” In this context, it is crucial for Blackpool to persist in promoting and marketing itself as an affordable family holiday destination that provides both quality and good value for money. For more from BBC Radio Lancashire, tune in on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.