Fylde has welcomed a record-breaking 3.31 million visitors in 2024, marking another year of exceptional growth for the borough’s thriving tourism sector.
The latest STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) figures reveal visitor numbers have surged by 3.8% compared to 2023, demonstrating Fylde’s continuing appeal as a premier Lancashire destination.
This fantastic achievement has generated £360 million for the local economy, representing 6.3% of Lancashire’s total tourism value. The sector continues to be a vital employer, supporting over 3,300 jobs across the borough’s hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail businesses.
Day visitors have shown particularly strong growth, increasing by 5.3% to 2.81 million people, proving that Fylde’s stunning coastline and vibrant events continue to draw crowds. From the spectacular St Annes International Kite Festival painting our skies with colour to the nostalgic charm of the Lytham 1940s Weekend and the magical winter wonderland of Fylde Ice Festival in Kirkham, the busy schedule of events right across the borough delighted families and visitors from across the region and beyond. This was crowned by Lytham Festival, which delivered five incredible nights featuring stars including Madness and Shania Twain, contributing £9 million to the local economy.
The borough’s tourism offering has only improved since, with the inaugural Fylde Fest: In the Square bringing fantastic entertainment to the heart of our community in October 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, even more exciting events and experiences are planned to ensure Fylde remains the destination of choice for memorable days out and holidays.
Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “These outstanding figures show that Fylde continues to go from strength to strength as a destination. Our beautiful beaches, fantastic events and warm welcome keep visitors coming back year after year. As a council, we’re committed to investing in and supporting the events that make Fylde so special, bringing communities together while attracting visitors from far and wide. We’re incredibly proud that tourism supports so many local jobs and businesses, contributing significantly to our local economy.”
Discover upcoming events at www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events
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