Blackpool Council pledges £1m to support tourism economy

By Tim Aldred

12 Apr 2021

Blackpool Council has unveiled a £1m package of support to help promote the resort's tourism offer.

The funds will be invested in a large-scale marketing operation to bring in visitors in 2021, a TV-led marketing campaign to be rolled out in 2022 and the creation of a Tourism Business Improvement District.

The TBID will be led by key stakeholders in the tourism industry and has the potential to secure a further £1m of funding for marketing and events over the next five years. It will partner private businesses with Blackpool Council, VisitBlackpool and Business In The Community, and will complement the existing Town Centre BID.

Although Blackpool recently cancelled its popular air show for 2021, the latest milestone on the government’s roadmap sees some major outdoor attractions including Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Zoo open up from April 12, along with self-catering accommodation, non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality. That is due to be followed by the opening up of indoor attractions and hospitality, and hotels and guest houses on May 17.

The resort had already announced that it will extend the Illuminations for an extra four months, running until January 2022.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for tourism and culture for Blackpool Council, said: "The last 12 months of lockdowns and tier restrictions have had a devastating impact on our tourism and hospitality industry.

"As we have already seen with the cancellation of the Air Show a few days ago, there is the potential for further disruption to our traditional events programme, so it is essential that we focus on creating new and compelling reasons to visit as well as showcasing our myriad of family attractions and accommodation.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to accelerate the recovery process by investing in marketing and events that will encourage people to holiday here, not just in 2021, but in future years too. We are now working closely with destination partners to develop those plans by utilising funds that are designated for business support and reopening the economy."

  • For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Stockley's finds its sweet spot Stockley's front view

Stockley's finds its sweet spot

15 Oct 2025

2

Breck to start £15m Blackpool affordable homes and retail development Cropper Road, Blackpool

Breck to start £15m Blackpool affordable homes and retail development

14 Oct 2025

3

New help for Blackpool businesses to access growth money John Fallon speaking at the meeting

New help for Blackpool businesses to access growth money

14 Oct 2025

4

Fuuse raises further £6m as it heads to profitability COO Nik Southworth, CEO Michael Gibson, CFO Sonia Davies.

Fuuse raises further £6m as it heads to profitability

13 Oct 2025

5

Preferred developer named for strategic site Barnfield named as preferred developer for site

Preferred developer named for strategic site

13 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin