1:10pm Friday 18th June 2010
By Katy Rice
Brighton will soon become the country’s all-time favourite seaside resort, according to city tourism bosses.
The claim came after a poll put the Sussex resort in second place behind Blackpool’s kiss-me-quick hats and Pleasure Beach.
But yesterday officials said the city’s ability to attract a more “sophisticated” holidaymaker would mean Brighton soon outstripped its northern counterpart.
Councillor David Smith, Brighton and Hove City Council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: “Blackpool may be in a lot of people's memories as a favourite childhood destination, but it hasn't really moved beyond the bucket-and-spade era.
“It put all of its eggs in one basket and now its guest houses and B&Bs are shutting. “Brighton saw the change happening 20 years ago and we set out to attract the people who come here for short breaks and spend their money in our bars and restaurants, rather than bringing their own food for picnics on the beach..
“Brighton is the future of tourism, whereas I think Blackpool may well be stuck in the past.”
Coun Smith, added he was “delighted” by the poll, which was published by consumer champion Which? Holiday after a survey of 4,000 people.
Brighton and Hove, which has more than eight million visitors a year, received 5.9% of the vote (compared to Blackpool’s 6.7%) and was praised for Brighton Pier, the promenade and the surrounding Downs.
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