Despite record footfall, Blackpool struggles with changing tourist habits and rising costs
Blackpool: This popular seaside town is in a bit of a pickle. Even though loads of people are visiting, they’re not sticking around for the night.
Places like the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower still attract millions, but more folks are opting for day trips instead of booking hotels. Claire Smith, who heads up Stay Blackpool, says 2024 is shaping up to be one of the toughest seasons yet, mainly because of the cost-of-living crunch.
She mentioned to BBC Lancashire that while visitor numbers are up, the overnight stays are down. Local hotels are feeling the heat from rising costs for everything from utilities to staff wages.
Still, Blackpool had a fantastic summer, with foot traffic hitting 6.8 million in July, a whopping 41% jump from last year. It’s still outshining other seaside spots in the UK, pulling in around 20 million visitors annually.
With a mix of thrilling rides and cultural events, Blackpool keeps its charm alive. The new Showtown museum, celebrating the town’s entertainment history, has been a big hit.
Free events like the Blackpool Air Show and Christmas by the Sea have drawn huge crowds, which is great for local cafes and restaurants. But the hotels are feeling the squeeze, even if eateries are seeing more customers.
Smith pointed out that while more people are dining out, it’s not helping the hotels. Many restaurants have cut back their hours due to high energy costs and staffing issues.
She noted, “We’ve got plenty of visitors, but they’re not staying overnight.” With rising economic pressures, some places are scaling back, while affordable city breaks in Europe are luring potential overnight guests away from Blackpool.
This trend of day-trippers is a mixed bag. It’s great for local cafes and attractions, but it doesn’t do much for the hotels and nightlife that make Blackpool special.
If this shift continues, it could spell trouble for many businesses that rely on overnight stays to thrive.
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