The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) is predicting a busy start to the 2018 season when it gets into full steam over the upcoming Easter holidays.

Significant investment, a rise in staycations and the continued growth in inbound tourism are set to provide a major boost for UK attractions according to the industry’s leading domestic trade association.

BALPPA chief executive Paul Kelly

The continued relative weakness of Sterling and uncertainty surrounding Brexit is likely to encourage more international visits and lead to even more Britons opting to holiday at home. The UK experienced an overall increase in international visitors in 2017 according to Government data. Total inbound tourism increased 6.6%, and while domestic visitation to London was affected by security concerns, spend in the UK’s regions actually increased.

“Major investment across the industry means there’s lots of great new attractions on offer throughout the UK,” highlights BALPPA chief executive, Paul Kelly. “Shared experiences with friends or family are also becoming ever more important in today’s busy world. A visit to a UK attraction not only creates the opportunity to spend time together, but represents great value for money compared to many other activities,” he adds.

Wicker Man at Alton Towers

With new investments across the country totalling well in excess of £50 million ($70m), there will be plenty on offer to tempt both international visitors and domestic tourists at the nation’s amusement parks, family entertainment centres (FEC), zoos, piers and other attractions. Here’s a few highlights:

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach is set to unveil Icon, the UK’s first double launch coaster this spring, courtesy of Mack Rides.

Wicker Man, the first new wooden rollercoaster in the country for over 20 years, will open to the public this weekend at Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire.

• Hampshire-based Paultons Park is launching two new rides within Peppa Pig World. The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride and Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club will be unveiled to the public in May.

Peppa Pig World expansion at Paultons Park

• Merlin Entertainments’ new Bear Grylls Adventure concept launches at Birmingham’s NEC this summer. Inspired by the world-famous survivalist and adventurer, the first-of-its-kind indoor attraction challenges visitors to face their fears.

• Chessington World of Adventures welcomes four endangered Amur tigers to its enlarged enclosure Land of the Tiger.

• Crealy Adventure Park & Resort in Devon is investing significantly in new accommodation including pre-pitched tourers and beach house lodges.

Founded in 1936, BALPPA is the non profit-making trade association representing the interests of owners, managers, suppliers and developers in the UK’s commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos, FEC and static visitor attractions sector.

Main image: Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.