Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds Enter Local Management Under Blackpool Tourism Limited

Strategic Insights -

In a landmark move, the Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds have been brought under the management of Blackpool Tourism Limited, a wholly owned tourism management company of Blackpool Council. This historical transformation marks a new era for the UK's most iconic seaside resort, where local attractions and experiences are now operated under local control. The change brings an exciting opportunity to reimagine and reinvest in these world-class attractions, with the guest journey at the heart of everything done.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blackpool Tower, including Blackpool Tower Circus, Ballroom, Dungeons, and Eye, along with Madame Tussauds, have been brought under the management of Blackpool Tourism Limited, a subsidiary of Blackpool Council.
  • The new management structure replaces Merlin Entertainments, which had operated these attractions on behalf of the council since 2010.
  • Blackpool Tourism Limited will operate both Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons under franchise agreements, marking the first ever UK franchise agreements for these two iconic brands.
  • The move is seen as a key step in delivering Blackpool's shared vision for its future and providing a powerful opportunity to reimagine and reinvest in these experiences for visitors.
  • Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, emphasized the commitment to creating local employment opportunities and nurturing the careers of talented individuals who make up the Blackpool Tourism family.
  • The change aims to ensure that when visitors spend money in the Tower or Madame Tussauds, those pounds support crucial local projects that benefit residents and contribute to the local economy.

Statistics:

  • The management of Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds has been transferred from Merlin Entertainments to Blackpool Tourism Limited, effective [no specific date provided].
  • Blackpool Council has established a wholly owned tourism management company, Blackpool Tourism Limited, to operate these iconic attractions and experiences.
  • Blackpool Tourism Limited currently operates Sandcastle Waterpark and Showtown Museum.
  • The partnership with Merlin Entertainments will enable Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons to continue operating in the resort, under franchise agreements for the first time in the UK.

Sources:

  • Blackpool Borough Council, UK Government
  • [No specific source date or citation provided]