Is the future pink for Blackpool?

Marcus Simmons, founder of website iknow-UK, believes Blackpool may soon be a very different place to today but one that still has a future.

The traditional bucket and spade holiday which once made Blackpool one of Britain's best-loved seaside resorts is becoming a thing of the past.

But that doesn't mean to say that this one-time jewel in the crown of the North's tourist economy doesn't have a bright future, despite what everyone else says.

It was a massive blow for the town to lose the bid to become the venue for Britain's first Las Vegas-style casino, but there are other tourism areas in which Blackpool excels.

It has a thriving gay scene and nightlife and that is just one market which can help to reverse the town's declining fortunes.

Never under-estimate the power of the pink pound because it could prove to be crucial to the regeneration of Blackpool.

The town has gained an excellent reputation for gay-friendly hotels and guest houses, entertainment and attractions.

Gay couples are often high wage earners with no children who have a high disposable income, so this is an important growing market for hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation providers.

There is a flourishing gay nightlife scene which has injected fresh life into the North Shore, and the Blackpool Pride festival in May is generating a lot of business.

Without doubt the profile of visitors is changing so businesses need to adapt and there are other areas to tap into.

The days when donkey rides on the beach, kiss-me-quick hats and candy floss brought tourists flocking may be long gone, but Blackpool still has a future.

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