Blackpool Is Set To Be More Popular Than Benidorm In 2024

Staycations are here to stay, according to the accommodation booking website Trivago. The trend for holidaying in the UK soared during the pandemic for obvious reasons, but now people are opting for domestic destinations due to the higher cost of flights and wildfires in Europe. 

The Liverpool Echo reports that UK hotel bookings for the second half of 2023 were dominated by UK destinations, with London, Llandudno and Edinburgh taking the top spot for the Christmas break. Looking ahead to 2024, the trend continues with London taking the top spot, and Blackpool coming in fourth, two places above Benidorm in Spain.

Trivago’s chief executive Johannes Thomas said: “The UK is a very domestic market. Part of that is down to airline tickets, which are significantly more expensive.”

He added: “Overall across the globe, it’s true for the US, Europe and the UK that people are going closer to home. They’re travelling shorter distances and choosing to stay shorter periods and that’s probably a sign of higher ticket prices.”

Blackpool has enjoyed significant regeneration in recent years, with new hotels and leisure facilities attracting visitors all year round. It’s famous for its annual winter illuminations that stretch for six miles along the promenade. Throughout the season, there’s a wonderful festive atmosphere and a whole host of family friendly activities and events to enjoy.

This year, Blackpool’s Christmas by the Sea village will be launched by two professional dancers from the much-loved BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing, ahead of the highly anticipated Tower Ballroom episode. Lauren Oakley and Graziano Di Prima will open the skating rink alongside local young performers. 

The event proved to be hugely successful and popular last year, attracting record numbers of visitors to the location on the headland opposite the Blackpool Tower. The attractions include a free ice skating rink and the return of the Star Flyer, which is a thrilling 196 ft tall swing ride and one of the tallest in Europe.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Christmas By The Sea has established itself as one of the most popular events in our calendar, attracting visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy a unique Christmas experience.”

She added: “Many of the attractions including the rink, projection shows, snowfalls and light installations will again be free to access, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a magical and memorable Christmas.”

“This year, we will be extending the opening hours for the rink giving even more residents and visitors a chance to skate in what is a wonderful seafront setting.”

Highlights of the illuminations this year include a reimagining of Spitfire Island by the designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and installations by internationally acclaimed artist Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman, MBE. There is a further artwork created by Canadian-born Bruce Alfred, who specialises in Native American art.

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