A tourism expert has suggested that one of the UK’s most well-known seaside towns should undergo a major transformation to become a luxury resort akin to Dubai. The bold proposal argues that with the right investment, infrastructure and vision, Blackpool could be revitalized as a premier holiday destination, reversing decades of economic decline.
Pete Waters, executive director of Visit East of England, has stressed the importance of focusing on the potential of tourism to drive regional economic growth. “Having a dedicated tourism minister would be crucially important to the industry because it is one of the largest in the country, one of the biggest employers and one of the biggest contributors to the Treasury,” Waters said in an interview with the BBC.
Waters’ vision includes a dramatic reinvention of Blackpool, a resort town that was once the pinnacle of British seaside holidays but has since seen economic challenges and a decline in visitor numbers.
“Blackpool remains the most visited resort in the country and still delivers in some respects, but with the right strategy, it could become something even greater – a sort of Macau or Dubai, but liberal, friendly, and accessible to all social classes,” he said in the Telegraph.
Tourism is a massive industry for the UK, with Visit England estimating its contribution to be around £106 billion annually. The World Travel and Tourism Council places that figure even higher, estimating that the sector generated £280 billion in 2024, contributing 10.3% to the UK economy and supporting over 4.1 million jobs.
Despite its importance, Waters and other tourism professionals argue that the industry has long been overlooked by successive governments.
“Lots of countries have high-ranking ministers overseeing the tourism sector, but in the UK, it’s folded into the already nebulous culture and sport brief,” Waters added.
His call to action is backed by Conservative MP Blake Stephenson, who is set to hold a special debate in Parliament to address the future of UK tourism. Advocates argue that a dedicated tourism minister could address key challenges, such as rising costs for businesses, the need for better infrastructure, and the promotion of lesser-known destinations across the UK.
A proposed transformation of Blackpool would require major investment in its facilities, accommodation, and attractions. Waters emphasised that reinventing Victorian-era resorts for a 21st-century market could unlock new opportunities.
“Blackpool has heritage and history but doesn’t boast about it. The town needs infrastructure, money, vision, and promotion,” he said.
Critics of the idea question whether such a dramatic transformation is feasible, citing concerns over funding, the preservation of Blackpool’s unique identity, and the potential impact on local communities. However, supporters argue that with careful planning, the resort could maintain its nostalgic charm while offering world-class entertainment and luxury experiences.
