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.

The figures don't add up as the council have cut tourism jobs year after year since 2010.

Originally Posted by Ric

The figures don't add up as the council have cut tourism jobs year after year since 2010.

That doesn't necessarily stop people coming to the town or to events does it?

"Shall we go to The Open at Birkdale?"
"Nah, the council have cut some jobs in their Tourism department"
said nobody, ever.

Originally Posted by Mr. Brightside

That doesn't necessarily stop people coming to the town or to events does it?

"Shall we go to The Open at Birkdale?"
"Nah, the council have cut some jobs in their Tourism department"
said nobody, ever.

What an r sole of a comment but coming from someone like you hardly a surprise.

Originally Posted by Ric

What an r sole of a comment but coming from someone like you hardly a surprise.

So if the figures don't add up show us your calculations instead.

Going around town today Lord St looks run down, some areas around the front are totally neglected. The road system is not fit for purpose. I dread to think what it would be like without all this income!

Originally Posted by Mr. Brightside

That doesn't necessarily stop people coming to the town or to events does it?

"Shall we go to The Open at Birkdale?"
"Nah, the council have cut some jobs in their Tourism department"
said nobody, ever.

:-)

One minute certain people on here are harping on about our huge social care bill for the elderly and trying to imply Southport is simply a drain on Sefton. Now, we're making millions!!

Originally Posted by Seashells&sand

One minute certain people on here are harping on about our huge social care bill for the elderly and trying to imply Southport is simply a drain on Sefton. Now, we're making millions!!

The £500million referred to doesn't all go in the council coffers. It will mostly be what people have spent in hotels, restaurants etc and that doesn't go towards social care.

Clearly the figures for visitors are good only because people have come to see our lovely red tarmac.

Originally Posted by Wehadabeach

Going around town today Lord St looks run down, some areas around the front are totally neglected. The road system is not fit for purpose. I dread to think what it would be like without all this income!

What income? Southport does not receive much benefit from the money it makes, most of it goes to the joint Liverpool/Sefton council.

The Open Golf

Originally Posted by said

What income? Southport does not receive much benefit from the money it makes, most of it goes to the joint Liverpool/Sefton council.

So when someone comes and spends a small fortune to stay in The Vincent and eats in local restaurants and has a few drinks in local bars the money goes to Sefton Council who pass it on to Liverpool City Council. Is that what you're saying? Jesus wept.