Hoteliers announce trade show date as report gives tourism update

The event ahead of the 2024 season will be held on Tuesday March 19 in the Norcalympia Suite at the Norbreck Castle Hotel.

The show is being held in partnership with HB Clark, the UK’s largest wholesale drinks supplier and the events team at the Norbreck Castle.

Claire Smith, president of StayBlackpool, said: “The 2024 StayBlackpool Trade Show will not just be an event but the focal point for the region’s hospitality industry.

“Primarily, the show provides an excellent opportunity for the hospitality trade to see what is on offer within the industry, with exhibitors showcasing new products and innovative ideas.

“These include interiors, food, drink, equipment, technology, property advice, insurance, booking platforms and many many others, so we can stay ahead of current trends, in preparation for the year to come.

“The StayBlackpool Board are always looking to provide best value so for 2024 the show has an exciting new venue providing free, easy access parking and a wonderful, light and bright event space.”

It comes as council chiefs warned bad weather and adverse publicity over sewage discharges into the sea meant visitor numbers were ‘volatile’ in July after a promising start to this season.

But numbers picked up in August with mobile phone date showing footfall of 350,000 on the Promenade over the two days of the Air Show, while 50,000 people attended the Illuminations Switch on.

The resort also fared well in national surveys measuring affordability, emerging as one of the best value destinations in the country.

A report to the Levelling Up Scrutiny Committee says while the start of the season was “exceptional”, poor weather in July meant “visitor numbers weremore volatile as we moved into the main school holiday season. ”

Better weather in August and free events led to improved visitor numbers.

The report adds: “At a time when affordability is an issue, these large scale, high-quality free events are clearly proving a significant draw.”

Recent weeks saw the return of the World Fireworks, with the Lightpool Festival and seven weeks of Christmas By The Sea running from November 17 to January 1 ahead,

Anyone who you would like to exhibit at the StayBlackpool event, can email: [email protected]