Blackpool is the most popular tourist destination in the UK with 18 million visitors generating £1.5b.
Yet the number of overnight stays and average spend has been falling against a backdrop of enhanced competition, a tourism offer in need of refreshing and the core challenges of identifying a sustainable model for funding the illuminations and other events and the quality and maintenance of the public space in the town centre.
A number of initiatives are underway to stimulate the local economy including a new conference centre, hotel stock, pleasure beach attraction and infrastructure developments with their associated public realm enhancement. Further opportunity presents itself at the Central Leisure Quarter to expand Blackpool's overall tourism offer.
The current and potential tourism focused Business Improvement District has a role to play in helping to stimulate and support future growth and the management of both the retail and tourism offer in partnership with the Council, VisitBlackpool, Business in the Community and other relevant organisations and business interests.