Tourism Brings Millions to Southport which is booming with an economic impact of more than £500 mill
Tourism Brings Millions to Southport - Tourism in Southport is booming with an economic impact of more than £500 million brought to the area in 2016. The figures are some of the findings from a new report which will be presented to the Southport Area Committee on September 20 which also shows there was a record 8.7 million visitors to the resort last year. The impressive figures also reveal a four per cent increase in staying visitors of 722, 000, which contributes to 6,449 jobs (an increase of 1.4%). Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “As is shown in the report, we’ve had a an exceptional year for tourism in Southport, and we have still got lots of exciting events coming up, such as the Southport Air Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championship. “Thanks to a fantastic and varied programme of events, and working alongside our partners and local businesses, there is so much choice for everyone, plus the high calibre of activities keep visitors coming back time after time. “We’re thrilled to report on the success of our efforts, which equates to an economic impact of £518 million last year, a growth of over 4 per cent from the previous year. “Tourism is a key priority for us, as it helps to provide employment and boosts the local economy. and we will continue to promote Sefton as a great place to visit, explore and enjoy.” This success of tourism helps to make a direct contribution to the growth of the economy in Sefton and, in particular, the progress of the Southport Development Framework. As part of this initiative, work has already started on refurbishing and redeveloping Southport Pier thanks to £2 million funding from the Coastal Community Fund, and £900k investment from the council. In addition, with bumper crowds recorded at this year’s Southport Flower Show, and the biggest attendance at Royal Birkdale for the Open Golf championship event, the 2017 visitor numbers for Sefton are predicted to be even higher.
