Blackpool Council has announced that it will manage Blackpool Tower through the Council’s wholly owned tourism company, Blackpool Tourism Limited.
The landmark attraction has been under the stewardship of Merlin Entertainments for the last 15 years. However, Blackpool Tourism Ltd will now officially take over the attraction on 1 August.
A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism Ltd highlighted the “ground-breaking move the company is today announcing that it will take over the operation of Blackpool Tower (including Blackpool Tower Eye, Circus, Ballroom and Dungeons) and Madame Tussauds.”
“This brings Blackpool together”
Meanwhile, Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE has commented on the announcement: “I am in full support of Blackpool Council’s announcement today. This brings Blackpool together; it is the beginning of the future for our new resort.
“Since Covid we have seen many changes in leisure, tourism and the hospitality market. Collaborating with Blackpool Tourism Limited will enable all of the visitor attractions within the resort to work together to develop the future of our town.
“We will be looking to encourage the resort to retain its mantle as the UK’s number 1 tourist destination.
“With the thrilling news of Universal Studios arriving in the UK it presents Blackpool with unique opportunities. We must think out of the box and create new ideas that will appeal to new visitors.
“This announcement supports the exciting vision for our town and future generations.”
Today marks an important day in the history of the globally recognised visitor attraction. Originally, The Blackpool Tower Company established links in the resort in 1890, when it bought an aquarium in the town’s Central Promenade.
Built with the Eiffel Tower in mind, the company green-lit the Blackpool Tower project to welcome a new wave of visitors to the resort. At a cost of £300,000 to construct, the tower officially opened on 14 May, 1894. The attraction towers over the resort, standing tall at 518ft (158m).
Image: Blackpool Tourism Ltd
