More than two thirds of
voters in Blackpool wanted the UK to leave the EU. While visitor numbers are
going up, Out voters like Jon Lambourne, who runs an ice cream stall on the
promenade, feel justified in their decision.
The attractions are packed
with tourists. John Child, the managing director of the Sandcastle Water Park
on the South Pier, says he has not seen a year like it.
"This year so far is
heading up to be the best year we've ever had in 30 years of operation.”
Like many working in the
tourism industry here, he attributes the boost in visitor numbers to Brexit.
They believe the falling pound has made so-called staycations more attractive
as the cost of foreign holidays has gone up.
"I honestly think it
will be good for business in Blackpool," he said. "We're seeing that
and talking to our guests we're hearing that as well."
Although official visitor
numbers since the referendum will not be published until later in the year, the
council says it has seen an increase in people using the trams and car parks.
On the beach, Ian and Lyn
Rabone from Birmingham are watching their granddaughter enjoy a donkey ride.
They had hoped to take her abroad for half-term but say the unfavourable
exchange rate changed their plans.
"It has had an effect
on us. We've chosen to have a few days away in this country as against going to
Spain," Ian said.
"We give the Europeans
more money than they give us so there should be more money available here to
spend in Blackpool and spend all over the country," he says.
A weak pound also makes the
UK more attractive to foreign tourists.
Visit Britain says July saw
the most visitors ever to come from abroad in a single month and that bookings
from China to the UK are up 24% on last year for October to December. Bookings
from India and the USA are also up.
But many seaside towns like
Blackpool have benefited financially from the UK being a member of the EU.
The town received millions
of pounds of European Regional Development funding to help the council purchase
key tourism landmarks including the Blackpool Tower and to pay for sea defences.
Director of tourism at
Blackpool Council, Alan Cavill, says it is unclear whether they will lose out
as a result of Brexit.
"I think it really
depends on what the Government decides to do in terms of funding regeneration
and economic improvements going forward," he said.
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