Tourism Minister Explores Blackpool as Millions Prepare for Bank Holiday Staycations

Tourism is projected to contribute £161 billion annually to the UK economy by 2030, fostering job creation and growth across the nation. As the bank holiday weekend approaches, it presents a final opportunity for individuals throughout the UK to benefit from the government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.

Exploring Blackpool’s Vibrant Visitor Economy

Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock recently visited Blackpool’s renowned Winter Gardens and Pleasure Beach to witness firsthand how the local visitor economy bolsters jobs, businesses, and communities as the bank holiday weekend draws near.

Blackpool, celebrated as one of the UK’s most cherished seaside resorts, sees tourism as a fundamental component of its economic framework. In 2024, the town welcomed 23.2 million visitors, marking a 7.7% increase from the previous year. This influx has supported over 23,000 full-time jobs and generated £2.15 billion in visitor spending and tourism-related business revenue.

During her visit, the Minister was accompanied by Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, and engaged with Kate Shane, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Ltd, to discuss the significance of the tourism sector in the area, as well as the opportunities and challenges currently facing local businesses.

The Economic Impact of Tourism in the UK

Tourism serves as a cornerstone of the UK economy, sustaining 2.4 million jobs and contributing £147 billion in both direct and indirect GDP impact by 2024. The sector’s economic footprint is expected to grow to £161 billion annually by 2030, which will support an additional 175,000 jobs across the country.

The most recent VisitEngland TripTracker survey revealed that 10.6 million Britons are planning an overnight holiday within the UK over the bank holiday, which is anticipated to inject approximately £4.3 billion into the economy.

This weekend marks the last chance for residents in Blackpool and throughout the UK to engage with the Great British Summer Savings scheme before it concludes on 1 September 2026. The initiative allows families to access discounted entry to attractions and leisure activities, including theme parks, soft play centres, and cinemas, while simultaneously supporting businesses that rely on summer foot traffic.

Government Support for Blackpool’s Tourism Sector

Minister for Tourism and Place, Stephanie Peacock, remarked, “From the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens to the Pleasure Beach and world-famous illuminations, Blackpool has a proud heritage as one of the UK’s most iconic coastal destinations.”

She continued, “The millions of visitors each year bolster local businesses, sustain thousands of jobs, and highlight the essential role tourism plays in driving growth and regeneration in coastal communities. In anticipation of the bank holiday weekend, we are committed to supporting destinations like Blackpool through investment, enhanced visitor experiences, and our ambitious plans to expand the visitor economy throughout the nation.”

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, stating, “We are extremely appreciative of Stephanie Peacock MP for taking the time to explore Blackpool and witness the fantastic businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of our tourism sector. This summer, attractions, restaurants, and transport providers have enabled visitors to make their money go further through the government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative, making it even more affordable to enjoy everything our resort has to offer.”

Future Goals for the Tourism Sector

Looking ahead to the busy bank holiday weekend, Shane noted that the visit was an excellent opportunity for the Minister to understand the critical role tourism plays in Blackpool’s economy. “Our visitor economy supports thousands of jobs across the Fylde Coast and remains a major driver of investment, growth, and opportunity for our community,” she added.

Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, highlighted his advocacy for Blackpool, stating, “As chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tourism and Hospitality, I have worked closely with Stephanie in Parliament, consistently promoting Blackpool as a premier tourist destination. It’s wonderful to finally have her here to experience it for herself.”

He concluded, “I am eager to showcase why Blackpool is the heartbeat of British seaside tourism, meriting recognition and investment at the highest levels of government.”

Strategic Plans for Tourism Growth

The government aims to attract 50 million international visitors annually by 2030, bolstered by an upcoming Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. This strategy will outline a long-term, place-based plan aimed at increasing visitor numbers, enhancing economic value, and facilitating sustainable growth across regional visitor economies.

In an effort to support hospitality and tourism businesses, the government has announced a review of the business rates system for pubs and hotels in England and Wales. This review aims to enhance fairness for businesses, ensuring that the system is transparent and that pubs and hotels can better plan for the future.

Additionally, the government is investing £3.38 million through the Connected Destinations Fund, overseen by VisitEngland, to assist destinations in creating robust visitor experiences and fostering sustainable tourism growth across England.

Next month, local government representatives and business leaders will convene in Blackpool to discuss strategies for the regeneration and long-term prosperity of seaside towns across the UK.

Photos of the visit are available in the DCMS’ Flickr album. Research by VisitBritain indicates that tourism contributes £147 billion annually to the UK, accounting for approximately 5% of the national economy when considering both direct and supply chain impacts.