THE owner of Brighton Palace Pier has said the pound’s devaluation could help make this the best year to date for tourism in the city.

During a speech yesterday at an event to mark the renaming of the pier during English Tourism Week, Luke Johnson told the crowd about new developments at the attraction and his expectations for the coming season.

Mr Johnson, chairman of Brighton Pier Group, speaking at the Palm Court restaurant, said: “I think that with good weather and if trains run on time that this will be the best year ever for tourism in Brighton.

“Statistics show that the number of overseas visitors to the UK in January this year was up by around 11 per cent from last January and if that trend continues through the year then that can only have a positive impact on the number of tourists visiting the pier and the city in general.

“The value of the pound dropping following the EU referendum result will likely add to the amount of tourism we see here in the near future.”

Developments have been made to the pier in order to attract more visitors, including opening a large children’s play area, renewing the dolphin derby game and reorganising Horatio’s Bar.

Guests at the event also included the mayor, Councillor Pete West, who gave a speech to mark English Tourism Week, as well as representatives of Brighton and Hove City Council and business owners.

Mr Johnson said: “I think what people want when visiting the pier is a classic experience, to eat fish and chips, visit the arcade, buy some rock and the other things that come to mind when you think of a traditional English pier.

“Brighton is a very cultural place with people who seem to really enjoy attending and participating in live events and festivals.

“We need to build on this in future and encourage more tourism to grow employment and taxation.”

English Tourism Week, from March 25 to April 2, aims to boost tourism across the country and is co-ordinated by Tourism Alliance.

Anne Martin, pier managing director and chairwoman of Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance, said: “I hope that we can use English Tourism Week to showcase the very best of Brighton and Hove.

“Tourism remains a very important part of our local economy and we must all work together to ensure Brighton and Hove remains the most popular of seaside destinations.”