Get an Eiffel of Blackpool

May 23 2009 , Written by thediversetraveller Published on #blackpool "seaside holiday' holiday staycation "UK holiday" Brits Tourism French France Paris visitors resort French Euro, #Travel Beyond the UK

As one in five of us are likely to stay in the UK, for our summer holidays, this year, seasides towns are doing their upmost to woe us.

Forget the re-branding of Margate (The Apprentice 2009), and say a warm Bonjour to Blackpool.

Blackpool is reinventing itself as a 21st century resort and has seen huge investment over the past few years; from five star guest houses to beach volleyball, the new Blackpool has plenty to shout about. This quirky short film will encourage people to think again about the resort and discover a new side to Blackpool for themselves.

According to a new TV advert from VisitBlackpool, Blackpool has a charming continental side, often missed by its 10m visitors a year.

Known for its roller coasters and world famous illuminations, the iconic UK holiday resort is harnessing the power a sexy French accent to attract visitors who may have traditionally felt that Blackpool was not for them.

visitBlackpool believe the film will help attract French tourists, with greater numbers predicted to visit the UK this year on the back of the strong Euro.

Blackpool stands in for Paris in the one and a half minute film J'aime La Tour which will surprise viewers with its wry humour and marriage of Lancashire and Parisian landmarks and cuisine.

J'aime La Tour is set in a smart Parisian-style art deco cafe in Blackpool's stunning Stanley Park gardens, and uses flashbacks to build a story around a chic French girl's fear of leaving the town she has fallen in love with.

The film reveals a vibrant and colourful town with quintessential Victorian seaside architecture and sandy dunes which might surprise both Blackpool regulars and those who have not yet visited.

Like all UK resorts, Blackpool predicts that the strong Euro means cash-strapped Brits will also make 2009 the Year of the Great British Holiday. Sunshine and blue skies helped Blackpool record its highest visitor figures in ten years this Easter as Brits headed to their favourite coastline.

VisitBritain hopes the film will change outdated perceptions of what Blackpool has to offer and encourage those of us who haven't visited fr a while, or not at all to visit the "new" Blackpool.

Helen France, Executive Director of Tourism and Regeneration at Blackpool Council said; "The great weather, coupled with the variety of quality attractions for families, the youth market and the older generation has brought a surge of visitors to Blackpool over the recent Bank Holidays. In the year so far, numbers are up by 20%, giving a strong indication that people are choosing to Staycation in the UK over the summer.

I must say I am tempted, what about you? If I do go, I will let you know what I think.

If you have already experienced the 'New Blackpool' or any other UK seaside town this year, please share your experiences - highs and lows.

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