This pass is part of the resort’s ongoing effort to keep Blackpool at the forefront of British tourism. The pound’s currently depreciated level may make foreign travel suddenly more expensive, but the lure of predictable sunshine abroad will remain strong and there is always increasing domestic competition with new attractions opening all the time. The resort must fight hard to keep its preeminent position in Britain’s tourism hierarchy, including the way Blackpool is portrayed. Our charming national media don’t seem to pull down other resorts like they do Blackpool, something that irritates me, if nobody else.
From my day job’s perspective, I have to say I’m a big fan of this pass, if only because it gives the best data ever on where our staying visitors are coming from, and that’s not where you might think. No more is Blackpool Manchester by the sea, apart from Scots’ week. People are coming from all over the UK and beyond, including Australia and India. This is also a measure of the pass’ success in breaking into new and reinforcing existing markets. The pass gives out a strong ‘open for business’ message.
Initially trialled in Blackpool in 2013, the Resort Pass is back for 2017 – giving visitors the opportunity to make big savings on the UK’s most popular seaside destination’s attractions. The pass achieved record sales in 2016 and long may this growth continue.
There are now several holiday maximising options available. Passes are valid for seven days and give users one visit to each attraction:
- The Original Resort Pass – £55 per person – Gives visitors access to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land, The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Madame Tussauds.
- Resort Pass Plus – £80 per person – Offers access to NINE attractions –the Original Resort Pass places plus Blackpool Zoo, Sandcastle Waterpark and Blackpool Model Village & Gardens.
- There are also bolt-ons, including: Blackpool Transport bus and tram tickets; discounted car parking; Blackpool Tower Circus; Blackpool Tower Ballroom & Afternoon Tea; Viva Showbar; Ascent Trampoline Park; Star Trek Exhibition; Hot Ice Show; Ripley’s Believe It Or Not; Illuminasia; Funny Girls; and discounted food at Coral Island.
- An exclusive parking pass discount with a £10 one-off fee for two days or £20 for up to 7 days parking within a number of locations.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council said: “It’s essential that we offer our visitors the opportunity to enjoy as much of Blackpool at great prices as possible and the Blackpool Resort Pass does just that. It was a huge success last year and here’s to even more in 2017. This Pass really is just the ticket!
“Blackpool is the only UK destination to offer such a visitor incentive. People spend hard earned money when they visit Blackpool, so we want them to get the best value possible. By teaming up with so many more attractions and transport services we believe we are doing just that.”
Feedback from one customer says it all: “It was great value for money and easy to use. If it wasn’t for the Resort Pass, we wouldn’t have been able to visit all the attractions.”
Let’s hope that also translates into that customer returning and doing it all again.
The Resort Pass is available to buy in advance online and from the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre at Festival House on the Promenade (additional £5 fee applicable). For more information go to www.blackpoolresortpass.com or Tel: 01253 478222
Keep checking www.visitblackpool.com for new stuff. Why not take a short break? Click on the link to book your accommodation package: http://www.visitblackpool.com/blackpoolguide/
Forward looking projects like the Resort Pass as the resort moves forward into uncertain economic waters.
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