Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds Return to Local Management

Blackpool's iconic tower and popular waxwork museum, Madame Tussauds, have been returned to local management after a 14-year partnership with Merlin Entertainments. The change marks a significant shift in the administration of these two major tourist attractions, with Blackpool Tourism Limited, a company wholly owned by Blackpool Council, taking over their operation. The move is seen as a significant opportunity for local control, reimagining, and reinvestment in these experiences. Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, emphasized the potential benefits of local management, stating that it will provide a powerful opportunity to reimagine and reinvest in these experiences, with the guest journey at the very heart of everything they do. Under the new arrangements, Madame Tussauds and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon will continue to operate under franchise from Merlin, marking the first time either brand has entered into a franchise deal in the UK.

Key Takeaways:

• Blackpool's Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds will now be operated by Blackpool Tourism Limited, a company wholly owned by Blackpool Council.
• The change marks the end of a 14-year management deal with Merlin Entertainments and will help support local jobs and provide long-term benefits for the wider economy.
• Madame Tussauds and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon will continue to operate under franchise from Merlin, the first time either brand has entered into a franchise deal in the UK.
• Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, emphasized the importance of reimagining and reinvesting in the attractions to provide a better experience for visitors.
• The shift to local control is seen as a significant opportunity for the town, with Coun Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, stating that it will give residents more say over how the attractions are run.
• The adjustments are expected to benefit local projects, with Coun Williams highlighting the importance of residents feeling ownership of the tower as a local asset.

Statistics:

• 14 years: the length of the management deal between Merlin Entertainments and Blackpool Tourism Limited.
• millions: the number of visitors who have entertained by the world-class attractions over the years.
• %: the potential long-term benefits for the wider economy as a result of the changes.
• UK: the country where Madame Tussauds and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon will be the first brand to enter into a franchise deal.

Sources:

• Blackpool Gazette [1]
• Blackpool Council [2]