Southport economic boom helped by being named one of Britain's favourite seaside towns

Aug 23 2011 by Joe Thomas, Midweek Visiter

SOUTHPORT was named one of the country’s favourite seaside towns as British tourists shun foreign holidays in favour of our beaches.

Our town’s attractions are encouraging tens of thousands of visitors to head here every year.

A booming tourist trade is providing a welcome boost to the local economy as families enjoy our resort.

Southport has just been named as the 14th most popular coastal resort in the country, benefiting from a 23% rise in money spent at the coast in the last year.

Big events, including the Air Show and Flower Show, help swell the numbers who turn up to enjoy fish and chips on the Promenade, or a stroll down Lord Street.

Brendan Riley, currently organising this year’s Southport Comedy Festival, believes Southport deserves to be recognised as one of the best coastal resorts in the country.

The comedian said: “I think over the last 15 years or so people have forgotten about our resorts. Now, due to people having smaller budgets it’s made them look at what is on their doorsteps.

“Once people start going to places like Southport they realise what they have been missing out on.”

Naming Lord Street and the Promenade as two of our town’s key assets, Brendan hopes he can establish another popular annual tourist attraction with his Comedy Festival, which takes place this October.

With high-end tourism seeing an increase, top attractions like Lord Street, the area’s golf courses and dining establishments are enjoying an impressive rejuvenation in difficult times.