There’s going to be a new Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) for Blackpool which will play a key role in supporting the resort’s post-COVID recovery plan. It will generate around £1m of investment over the next five years.
Tourism businesses voted overwhelmingly in favour, with the ballot result revealing support from more than 90% of voters.
The business plan to support the ballot process demonstrates how a collaboration between private and public sector can protect and develop a vibrant tourism economy.
In its prospectus, the TBID promises to deliver marketing and events activity. This will increase footfall, spend, dwell time and overnight stays. And to give businesses a greater say in what is happening across the tourism sector.
Where is the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) area?
The TBID area includes more than 250 businesses on the seafront as well as those operating around the Stanley Park and Marton Mere areas. It’s the second Business Improvement District to be formed in Blackpool.
The existing Town Centre BID is long-established. It recently won another five-year mandate to support town centre traders.
Kate Shane is TBID Project Lead and Head of Blackpool Cluster for the Merlin Entertainments Group.
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She said: “It’s brilliant to see our tourism industry recognise the importance of a structured recovery programme. A tourism-focused Business Improvement District can play a key role within that.
“By working in partnership with leisure, accommodation, retail, food and drink businesses, and statutory authorities we know we can deliver a strong, cohesive, business-led growth strategy for Blackpool.”
Cllr Lynn Williams is Leader of Blackpool Council. She added: “This is an opportunity to stimulate investment in Blackpool’s tourism economy and help realise its future potential.
“Throughout this pandemic, partnership working within our tourism and hospitality industry has been a key element of recovery planning. The formation of a TBID can now take that on to a sustainable footing.”
The TBID will come into effect from 1 July 2021. A formal board is to be appointed over the coming weeks.
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What action is being taken to regenerate and tidy up unsightly shopping areas of South shore Blackpool – Bond street and Waterloo Road and north area of Lytham Road? These areas are very run down and nothing appears to be happening to improve these shopping area. Not a good look for tourism or residents