The British Hospitality Association (BHA) is urging the government to appoint a tsar to manage the revival of deprived seaside towns in the North East of England. Run down coastal hotspots, such as North Shields and Whitley Bay, have suffered from deprivation and unemployment in recent years, with a lack of investment diminishing the appeal of these resorts as visitor destinations.
A survey based on public opinion backs this up, with 65% of people agreeing that many of our coastal towns are looking past their best and in desperate need of a cash injection. If a seaside tsar is appointed in the North East, they would be responsible for managing investment and spending money in the best way to regenerate flagging coastal towns.
It is not all doom and gloom for the North East, however, as a recent survey by Rough Guides named Tynemouth as the best seaside destination in Britain. Experts believe that Tynemouth should be viewed as an inspiring role model for those coastal resorts in need of a facelift, proving that regeneration can have a positive impact on a local economy.
In addition to cash investment, action groups want to see a reduction in tourism VAT, training opportunities and an improvement in local infrastructure as part of the regeneration package.
With a report suggesting that more than half of British people have not visited the seaside in the past three years, now could be the time to support our local coastal towns, especially those that really need a helping hand. A trip to the seaside is invigorating, fun and educational; therefore, if you are one of those who have not made it to the seaside in the last three years, make it your priority this Summer. Make sure you know your tide times before you go for a safe and enjoyable experience.
