Agenda item

To provide information on tourism performance between April and December 2016 using various indicators including number of visits, footfall, car parking, tram usage, satisfaction ratings and events.

Mr Welsh, Head of Visitor Economy presented a report on tourism performance between April and December 2016 using various indicators including number of visits, footfall, tram usage, satisfaction ratings and events.

Members noted the car parking data and queried the usage of the parking spaces for coaches. Mr Welsh advised that growth was still being seen in terms of coach visits and that at times of particularly high demand, for example during the illuminations, there was not currently sufficient spaces for all coaches. Mr Welsh explained that discussions were ongoing with coach companies to ensure that facilities were fit for purpose and were capable of meeting peaks in demand

The Committee considered the footfall in the town centre and it was questioned how the level could be improved. Councillor Blackburn advised that some of the retail offer in the town centre was not sufficient to attract higher numbers of people into the town centre and it was considered that there was a requirement for more shops with a higher end retail quality. It was noted that the Hounds Hill development did attract visitors but often those visitors did not visit other areas of the town centre. Councillor Blackburn advised that the Conference Centre development would play a central role in helping to attract higher quality shops into the town centre and to increase the level of footfall.

Members noted national reports relating to the possible closure of a number of Marks and Spencer’s stores and raised concerns that the future of the Blackpool store, which would have a further adverse impact on the retail offer in the town. Councillor Blackburn reported that he had not heard any suggestions that it would be one of the stores that would be closing and noted that most stores thought to be due for closure were located in towns were there was an additional store located on a nearby retail site. Members considered that the signage for the collection point at the store was poor and that it could be improved to help raise the numbers of shoppers. Councillor Blackburn noted that the issue would be raised with representatives of the store.

The Committee discussed the concentration of shops in and around the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre and the impact that it had on shops in other parts of the town centre, raising questions on what could be done to assist local, independent shops. Mr Welsh advised that more work needed to be undertaken to try to provide reasons to visit different areas of the town centre and to develop routes through the town centre for visitors.

Members raised questions relating to the Lightpool project and Mr Cavill advised that work was being undertaken with the Arts Council England in order to run the festival part of the programme again during the illuminations. He explained that a lot of lessons had been learned from last time and there would now be sufficient time to market the event properly, which there had not been last time. Mr Welsh added that the Lightpool Festival had positively contributed to changing perceptions about Blackpool, which was an on-going process. He noted that feedback and public relations coverage had been very positive and the festival provided a new reason for visitors to come to Blackpool.

The Committee agreed to note the report.

Background papers: None.