Blackpool set to make major comeback in 2022
Blackpool is set to benefit from major investment as more holidaymakers prepare to remain in the UK for their spring, summer and autumn breaks.
Seaside resorts throughout Lancashire are hopeful that the Covid-19 pandemic will provide a much-needed boost with an increasing number of people deciding to stay in the UK for their holidays this year. Last year’s travel restrictions meant that many who would usually jet off to foreign destinations decided to look closer to home and take breaks in the UK instead.
Following the big losses felt by businesses during the pandemic, a continuation of this trend will be vital and evidence of this taking place was in clear at Christmas when Blackpool enjoyed a thriving festive period with seasonal attractions and events packed out.
Ian White, director of StayBlackpool said: “As a Blackpool Hotelier and Director of the Hotel Association StayBlackpool, I am delighted at the way the extended season has brought so many people to town. The buzz around town, especially on the prom, has been extremely positive.
“It has been heartwarming to see and hear so much positive feedback on social media platforms and from StayBlackpool members. Blackpool Council and so many businesses have excelled during this period, going above and beyond at so many levels, creating a winter season to remember for all the right reasons.
“It is great to know the extended Illuminations and so much more will return during the winter 2022. Lots of positive lessons have been learned during a period of so much uncertainty and various challenges, giving the certainty this coming winter will be much bigger and better.”
The Blackpool Illuminations enjoyed an extended run into the new year and public donations were much increased compared to previous years according to a council report. This report said: “Over the first two weeks of November (when the Illuminations would normally be switched off), parking patronage was almost double the level seen in the same period in 2019.
“The anecdotal evidence from accommodation businesses (both in the self-catering and serviced sectors) is that the high level of bookings over the remainder of this year has been fuelled by the extension of the Illuminations and greatly-enhanced Christmas offer.
“During those first two weeks of the extended Illuminations season, there was a significant increase in public donations at the collection points at the southern and northern gateways on the Promenade. “As a result, by mid-November, the total public donations had reached more than £105,000, ahead of the previous four years.”