A New Era for Blackpool as Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds Attractions Move to Local Management
The Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds have today entered into local management, in what is being described as a historic and transformative moment for the UK’s most iconic seaside resort.
This landmark move brings some of the town’s most popular visitor attractions and experiences under the operation of Blackpool Council’s newly-formed wholly owned tourism management company, Blackpool Tourism Limited.
Blackpool Tourism Limited, who currently operate Sandcastle Waterpark and Showtown Museum, have now expanded their portfolio with Blackpool Tower (including Blackpool Tower Circus, Ballroom, Dungeons and Eye) and Madame Tussauds now operating under their management.
Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “We are delighted to welcome these iconic and much-loved attractions into the Blackpool Tourism Limited family. This move marks an exciting new chapter for the UK’s number one seaside resort and is a key step in delivering our shared vision for Blackpool’s future.
“Bringing these attractions under local management is more than symbolic – it’s a clear and tangible statement of our intent. It provides a powerful opportunity to reimagine and reinvest in these experiences, with the guest journey at the very heart of everything we do. These world-class attractions have entertained millions of visitors over the years, and we look forward to welcoming many more as we shape an exciting future together under Blackpool Tourism Limited.
“We remain committed to creating local employment opportunities and nurturing the careers of the talented individuals who make up the Blackpool Tourism family, ensuring the continued ambitions and success of Blackpool are mirrored through our colleagues.”
These new arrangements will replace the management of these attractions by Merlin Entertainments, which have operated them on the council’s behalf since 2010.
As part of this change, both parties have also agreed to enter a new partnership to enable Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons to continue to operate, marking the first ever UK franchise agreements for the two iconic brands.
Blackpool Tourism Limited will operate both attractions under franchise from Merlin, ensuring the ongoing presence of these two popular brands in the resort.
Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “This is a great day for the future prosperity of our town. From today, The Blackpool Tower is run by the people of Blackpool, for the people of Blackpool.
“When a visitor spends money in the Tower or Madame Tussauds, those pounds are supporting crucial local projects that will help us make Blackpool better for the people who live here.
“I hope that residents really feel ownership of our Tower as a local asset that we are lucky to have and enjoy on our doorstep.
“It also heralds the start of a new era of tourism in Blackpool, where we all work together with one goal, to ensure that we give visitors more reasons to come and stay in Blackpool and welcome the benefits they bring to our local economy and jobs.”