Blackpool has enjoyed one of its best tourism seasons for many years, a visitor research study has confirmed.
After a huge upsurge in visitor numbers and overnight stays during the peak summer season, the latest independent Omnibus research shows that the resort saw further growth in September and October with over 1m adult visits in each of the two months.
It means that, for 2014 as a whole, Blackpool experienced an increase of more than 300,000 adult visits – from 9.8m in 2013 to 10.1m in 2014.
The latest research covering the September to December period confirms the enduring appeal of the Illuminations – with over half of the 3.5m adult visits directly associated with the annual Lights show. Visitor satisfaction levels in the autumn period rose to a record level of 95% compared to 88% in the same period in 2013.
Cllr Graham Cain, cabinet member for tourism and leisure said: “The latest research confirms that this has been one of the best tourism seasons for many a year.
“Much of that is due to the investment we have made in a high-quality events programme, the summer-long run of Mamma Mia!, the Illuminations and, of course, the Blackpool’s Back destination marketing campaign which has showcased the resort to thousands of new visitors.“To show overall growth of a third of a million visits across the year as well as a big increase in staying visitors during the peak summer season is hugely encouraging and a major endorsement of the investment we have made in the visitor economy.”
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainments would be co-funding a repeat of the Blackpool’s Back TV advertising campaign with an overall investment of around £700k. The 2015 Illuminations season will also benefit from a £2.4m investment following a successful bid to the Coastal Communities Fund.
For more information on blackpool visit www.visitblackpool.com
