Our Strategy

Our vision is “to revitalise and reposition the visitor economy in Lancashire and Blackpool so that it is more productive and sustainable, by working in partnership”.

The visitor economy comprises a wide range of businesses that all have a role to play in contributing to the different elements that make a truly successful and sustainable destination – the shops, the townscape, the heritage, the culture, the natural environment, the scenery, the leisure facilities, the events and so on. In other words all the things that make a place special, distinctive and worth experiencing.

The infrastructure helps to reinforce and shape the sense of place and make it an easy place to visit; the quality of design, the signs, transport, parking and orientation, interpretation, public spaces and amenities. The services cater for the needs of visitors and of residents, generating economic and social activity and increasing spend, including the hotels, bars, pubs and restaurants, events and day to day services that make a place clean, safe and welcoming.

To create a truly successful and sustainable visitor economy, all of these elements need to be managed in an integrated way with a clear focus on the needs of both tourists and residents.

The Lancashire and Blackpool Visitor Economy Strategy 2006 – 2016 outlines key challenges, drivers and opportunities in  developing and managing the sub-regional visitor economy. It is accompanied by the Destination Management Plan 2010 – 2013 which details key priorities and actions for the sector, as determined through consultation with key stakeholders and partners.

Additional reading - Annex to the DMP 2010 - 2013

You may wish to note that the Visitor Economy Strategy will be reviewed in 2011.