The growth of tourism in the UK was largely based around coastal resorts.

Case study: Blackpool

Blackpool is an iconic tourist resort and its coastal location was the main reason for its development as a tourist resort.

Attractions include:

• the Pleasure Beach - a theme park which is the UK's most visited tourist attraction
• a sandy beach
• the Blackpool Illuminations - a spectacular light show during the autumn months to prolong the tourist season
• concerts and shows

Decline

Like many other UK coastal resorts Blackpool suffered a decline in tourist numbers. This was due to:

• foreign travel to the Mediterranean growing in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s due to its more reliable hot weather and sandy beaches
• the expansion of package holidays and cheaper flights
• the growth of budget airlines and cheaper accommodation from the 1990s onwards
• overcrowding in Blackpool and a shift in the market to late night drinking, stag and hen parties

Rejuvenation

In 2000, Blackpool launched a £300 million regeneration project. Recent projects to improve the town for visitors include:

• Brilliance - a town centre lighting scheme which aims to encourage visitors to explore the town centre further at night and during the day
• tourist attractions - The Big One, Sandcastle Waterpark and Winter Gardens are examples of attractions designed to regenerate Blackpool as a tourist destination
• Houndshill Shopping Centre - redeveloped to improve shopping in the town centre
• the beach - sea defences have been replaced with 'Spanish steps' leading down to the sea that will protect the coastline and increase public access to the seafront