Seaside resorts in the UK have a long history dating back 250 years ago, when they were exclusively accessible to the wealthy. Notable figures like Prince Regent and Queen Victoria visited Brighton, Isle of Wight, and Ramsgate to partake in various attractions such as health benefits, socializing opportunities, coffee houses, gaming, and theater (Wikipedia, 2010; Howard & Benn, 1998). However, during the Industrial Revolution and advancements in transportation between 1850 and 1900, it became possible for people from less privileged classes to also travel and enjoy these resorts.
The past saw most holidays as day trips to British seaside resorts (Barrow, 2010). The advent of better and cheaper automobiles in the 20th century caused a short-lived boom in UK seaside resorts, which persisted even after World War II (Walton, 2000). In 1974, over 40 million people embarked on a British holiday lasting four days or more (Brodie and Winter, 2007). Even during the 1990s, at least half of all British holidays were still spent at seaside resorts (John K. Walton, 2000, p.3). According to Walton’s book, resort life held great cultural significance for both residents and visitors. However, a study conducted by Beatty, Fothergill, and Wilson (2008) on England’s largest seaside towns revealed that these towns consistently have lower employment rates than the national average. Additionally, the Gross Valued Added per head and average earnings for men and women in sub-regions containing seaside towns are significantly below the English average.
In May 2007, the proportion of adults claiming the three main benefits for those not employed was higher in seaside resorts compared to England as a whole (13.2% vs 11.2%). This percentage has increased by 12% since 1997 in seaside resorts, while only increasing by 2.2% across England (BBC News, 2007). Additionally, out of the 37 seaside towns, deprivation levels are higher than the English average in 26 of them. The study concludes that on average, principal seaside towns in England face more disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
In addition, a study conducted by Local Future Group in 2010 discovered that seaside resorts like Scarborough, Minehead in West Somerset, and Great Yarmouth rank among the lowest 20% of Local Authority Districts in England in terms of business enterprise, skills and qualifications, knowledge workers, labour market, and prosperity. Other well-established resorts like Southend-on-Sea are ranked in the lowest 20% for business enterprise and inequality. Similarly, Torbay struggles in terms of productivity, prosperity, and affordability.
The surprising aspect arises when examining Blackpool, which was the leading British seaside resort in the 20th century, attracting seventeen million visitors annually in the 1940s (Wikipedia, 2010). However, a study revealed that Blackpool ranks in the bottom 20% for various factors including productivity, employment growth, industrial structure, business enterprise, skills and qualifications, labor market, knowledge workers, prosperity, health, crime, and natural environment. Attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach have experienced a decrease of 1.5 million visitors between 1999 and 2007 (English Tourist Board, 2010). Consequently, Blackpool is currently ranked as the 24th most deprived out of 325 local authorities (BBC News, 2007). Furthermore, Welsh seaside destinations suffered a loss of 39 million nights between 1978 and 1988 (Welsh Tourist Board, 1989). As a result, young people are compelled to search for employment opportunities in other towns while the influx of older individuals retiring and purchasing homes puts strain on health and social services (Daymail, 2007). Consequently, seaside resorts are currently facing a downward spiral.
The decline of flourishing resorts in the 20th century can be attributed to the rise of package holidays to various destinations, including the Mediterranean. These package deals offer more affordable prices and better weather conditions, making Spain and France popular choices for travelers. In fact, Spain experienced a significant growth of 1.1 million annual visitors from the UK between 2000 and 2007, resulting in a total of 13.9 million visitors in 2007. Similarly, France welcomed a substantial number of UK holidaymakers with 11.2 million visits during that same year (Office for National Statistics, 2008). Additionally, other Eastern European countries have also seen an increase in British tourists.
The Office for National Statistics reported that Slovakia saw a 75% increase in visitors from 2002 to 2006, while Poland experienced a 63% increase and the Czech Republic had a 27% increase. The English Tourist Board has attributed the decline of seaside resorts to changes in holiday entertainment and the rise of domestic leisure activities like theme parks (1991). In 1998, John Urry observed that resorts have lost their unique appeal as places of concentrated entertainment and pleasure. In the past, British gentlemen would spend their leisure time in assembly rooms, libraries, and theaters; however, nowadays they are more likely to encounter fish and chip shops, gift shops, and pubs on the seafront (Allan Brodie and Gary Winter, 2007).
Contrarily, Britain’s night time economy is solely focused on alcohol and it results in certain negative consequences. Alan Wood, CEO of the clean beach campaigner, expressed in 2004 that resorts can resemble war zones with excessive litter and the presence of vomit and urine. Wood suggests that art galleries should also operate at night, alongside pubs and clubs. Additionally, seaside resorts often solely cater to a specific market segment, disregarding family packages that are incompatible with the disturbances caused at night by individuals seeking discos or pubs.
In 2004, Agarwal & Brunt conducted a study suggesting that seaside resorts should take a broader approach instead of solely prioritizing tourism. The study opposes a one-size-fits-all strategy. Woodcock’s observations in 2009 highlight the negative impact of poorly maintained DSS hostels on seaside towns, creating unpleasant and unsafe living conditions. Government negligence is often blamed for the decline of these towns. The article raises concerns about the government’s slow and inadequate response to the statistics presented.
Should the Government provide a better deal for coastal towns? The increasing numbers of people claiming sickness and disability benefits, along with the lack of education and prospects for young people, poor housing, and other issues such as coastal erosion, flooding, or chaotic building construction, indicate neglect by the Government, as stated by the Commons Communities and Local Government Committee (Dailymail, 2007).
A better comprehension and admiration is necessary regarding the difficulties confronted in coastal towns,” emphasized Committee chairman Phyllis Starkey, who mentioned that the government has not taken any measures or devised any strategies to address the issue of coastal communities. “In order to meet the requirements of coastal towns, Government departments need to gain an understanding of the specific issues confronted by these communities and collaborate to tackle the diverse range of shared challenges they encounter,” she stated.
The Committee placed the responsibility on the Government for the complete absence of funding in infrastructure at the National, Regional, and Local levels. It is possible that the distressing situation at the coastal resorts, along with the extensive range of issues that contribute to their deterioration, may have reached a point of no return. Nonetheless, the Government has recently taken action by investing £5m. This amount will be divided among 25 towns experiencing deprivation, such as Portsmouth, Plymouth, Hasting, Barrow, Redcar, and Great Yarmouth.
To rejuvenate coastal areas, various initiatives have been implemented including the “Sea Change Programme” which invested ?38m in improving seaside infrastructure in 32 areas. This program extends beyond 2011. Additionally, the “Seasiding campaign” aims to attract investors and boost local economies through festivals held outside the traditional holiday season. The “Strategy for Seaside Success” is another effort to secure the future of coastal economies, with a focus on restoring iconic piers that hold significant public value. The Government office for the North West expressed optimism that these programs will help revive and strengthen British seafronts in the coming years.
John Yorke Denham, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, recently visited Hastings and expressed that places like St. Ives, Hastings, and Scarborough are demonstrating their ability to thrive once again through effective local leadership and dynamic businesses. These towns are no longer reliant on British weather and are attracting new visitors year-round. Denham believes that other seaside towns can also flourish in the same way. Additionally, the current economic recession may contribute to the recovery of coastal towns as British tourists opt for domestic holidays. This shift in consumer behavior from seeking warmer or more exotic destinations is directly impacting the decline of UK seaside resorts. The high level of deprivation in these areas makes them less appealing to visitors. The Government’s delayed response, excessive drinking, decreasing entertainment options, and sometimes misunderstood marketing have all contributed to the decline of coastal towns.
According to the TALC Model (Butler, 1980), every destination goes through a tourist area life cycle that includes exploration, development, consolidation, stagnation, and decline. Seaside resorts are currently in their final stage and it seems impossible to prevent it. These resorts have had a prosperous 250-year history, but now they are reaching their unavoidable decline. Phil Evans, the Tourism Manager at the Greater London Authority, agrees with this idea and points out that many resorts experienced market failure well before the rise of package holidays.
According to Phil Evans, re-branding and changing the perception of a destination is a difficult and demanding endeavor. He also contends that holiday resorts are not as favored as they were in the past. Nonetheless, I am of the opinion that by joining forces, including the Government, District Councils, business owners, employees, citizens, and all those with a stake in the future of seaside resorts, it is possible to revive the former magnificence and appeal that were once crucial components of British coastal life.
To revitalize seaside resorts, owners should crack down on excessive drinking and the associated violence. They should also pay an additional levy to clean up the streets left in disarray by their customers (Allan Wood, 2004). Additionally, local governments should support this restoration effort, as they played a significant role in the prosperity of coastal towns during the twentieth century. During this time, they invested heavily in promenades, parks, pavilions, sea defenses, bathing facilities, and sports facilities to meet the expectations of visitors (Walton, 2000).
In order to regain their previous status, seaside resorts need to re-market themselves and offer unique incentives to attract visitors. It is crucial to encourage longer stays rather than only day trips as this type of tourism is more profitable. Notably, seaside towns in Cornwall are gaining recognition for their arts and heritage.
Coastal towns such as Brighton and Southport are known for their shopping, while the north east coast is a favorite destination for surfers (Allan Wood, 2004). Blackpool, on the other hand, is making efforts to attract more visitors by introducing a new casino complex. These initiatives could potentially help seaside resorts overcome the lack of innovation and decline in media attention they have faced in recent generations. Failure to do so would have serious consequences for the families involved in this industry and for the overall economy of the United Kingdom.
