Southport - England’s Classic Resort

Southport - England’s Classic Resort

Why ‘Classic Resort’?

What is a ‘Classic Resort’?

What has been achieved so far?

What about the future?

Why ‘Classic Resort’?

Need to respond to changing times!

Rising customer expectationsHolidays taken abroadGrowth in short breaksShopping as leisure pastimeRenaissance of Liverpool and ManchesterCash rich – time poorIncreasingly competitive business tourism market

What is a ‘Classic Resort’?

Attractive for its sense of quiet sophistication and its preservation, in a modern way, of the spirit of the traditional seaside resort

What is a ‘Classic Resort’?

Exemplary respect for architectural and environmental heritage

Pristine built and natural environment

Quality shopping

Quality accommodation

Quality food and beverage

Vibrant and varied cultural programme

The Story So Far……..

Over £200 million investment over last decade

The Vincent Hotel,Ramada Plaza Hotel,

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa

Southport Theatre & Convention Centre

Chapel Street pedestrianisation

Lord Street Gardens / War Memorial

Pier refurbished plus new tram

Promenade - sea defence wall

Ocean Plaza leisure & retail centre

Marine Way Bridge

Eco Centre

Dunes Splash World

……. The Future

The Atkinson

Southport Market

Marine Park Development

Lord Street Retail Quarter

Kings Gardens

Any Questions?

Target Markets / Products

Leisure Short Breaks / Daytrips •Events•Shopping / Dining•Coast & Countryside

ConferencesGolfGroup travel

Group Travel

Who we Work With• Coach / Bus Operators• Group Travel Organisers

Types of Visit• Day Trips• Short Breaks Based in the Region• Short breaks Based in Southport

What we Offer

• Coach Drop-off Points• Secure Coach Parking• Driver Facilities• Driver Passport Incentive Scheme• Group Discounts to Events and Attractions• Meet & Greet Service• Discount Voucher books for Passengers• Dedicated Travel Trade Officer

Marketing & Promotion

• Trade Shows (Best of Britain & Ireland, Great Days Out, Group Leisure Travel Trade Show, Operator Events)

• Travel Trade Newsletter• PR• Advertising• Sales (event tickets, attraction admissions etc.)• Website• Print (including Travel Trade Guide)

Industry Recognition

• CPT Coach Friendly Status• UK Coach Awards ‘Most Coach Friendly Local

Authority’ (Winner 2009 & 2010)• UK Coach Tourism Awards ‘Town or City of the

Year’ (Winner 2009, Finalist 2010 & 2011)• CPT North West Annual Dinner Dance held in

Southport 2010, 2011 and confirmed for 2012• Coach Hosts won ‘Team of the Year’ for 2010 at

Southport Ambassador Awards in March• Winner of IRU Trophy 2011

Where are we now?

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010Jan 36 61 58 42 62 86 83 159 194 152 178Feb 27 49 66 62 105 116 111 113 132 164 195Mar 46 58 113 112 157 171 138 171 262 183 260Apr 163 179 195 238 244 218 301 299 231 241 318May 260 316 323 308 335 308 377 333 397 460 489June 477 536 665 742 773 645 541 603 552 603 675July 608 759 581 656 621 672 826 784 784 797 705Aug 497 577 756 881 914 878 672 559 590 645 935Sep 465 565 462 525 565 486 549 527 503 545 624Oct 173 213 273 285 310 291 343 314 312 312 376Nov 66 122 150 206 224 260 285 290 288 305 285Dec 65 82 82 127 112 159 191 184 200 204 212Total 2883 3517 3666 4184 4422 4290 4417 4336 4445 4611 5252

Financial Impact

• In 2010 we welcomed 5,252 coaches• On average each brought 40 passengers• That’s 210,080 visitors• Average day spend - £31

Total Economic Impact for Southport of circa £6,612,480