Resort TV campaign will be shop window

Business leaders have today welcomed the extension of a television advertising campaign for a third year to market Blackpool's holiday season.
Season launch for Visit Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach.  Gillian Campbell, Philip Welsh and Robert Owen with Pleasure Beach ambassadors and the Resort Pass macot.Season launch for Visit Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach.  Gillian Campbell, Philip Welsh and Robert Owen with Pleasure Beach ambassadors and the Resort Pass macot.
Season launch for Visit Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach. Gillian Campbell, Philip Welsh and Robert Owen with Pleasure Beach ambassadors and the Resort Pass macot.

Philip Welsh, head of the visitor economy at Blackpool Council, has revealed the council and Merlin are creating a £500,000 pot of cash to spend on TV slots.

But they want more businesses to contribute to the fund.

Eileen Ormand, Blackpool town centre BID (business improvement district) manager, said: “This kind of investment in television advertising is going to do us a lot of good.

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“There are a lot of exciting things happening in Blackpool at the moment. Look at the national brands coming in, such as Las Iguanas and Ed’s Diner, and the Houndshill is doing well.

“The CCTV coverage is working well so we have a safer environment, and we have another busy events programme lined up.

“So we have to show people that Blackpool is where it’s at.”

Susanne Johnson, branch chairman of the Federation of Small Business for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, said: “I think the TV campaign and the work that has gone on on the Prom has brought more footfall in.

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“The Illuminations is still the most important part of the season, but I think Blackpool has got busier and word of mouth might make up for the shortfall in TV advertising, as when people come here they seem to have a good time.

“Even though there is less spending, we have impressed a lot of people who are spreading the word.”