PRETTY STUPID
Blackpool is so ugly, says tourism boss
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A TOURIST chief has been blasted for branding Britain’s most popular seaside resort as “too ugly to promote”.
Sabine Kalkmann, who represents VisitBritain and VisitEngland in Germany, poured scorn on Blackpool.
She told local businessman Julian Allitt who queried why more was not being done to promote the Lancashire town: “Blackpool does not have the reputation to be a particularly pretty seaside resort.
“We want to make potential visitors want to visit Britain and there are certainly nicer seaside resorts.”
But the snub has enraged residents in the town, famous for its Tower, Golden Mile, Pleasure Beach and donkeys.
Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, said: “We’re not the Lake District and you don’t come here for quiet walks.
“That’s not what Blackpool is about. But for a unique experience, fabulous entertainment and great fun, I don’t know where else you would go.”
Cllr Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said the town was simply “unrivalled” anywhere else in Britain.
She added: “Blackpool is the most visited seaside destination in the UK.
“Investment in new attractions, hotels and transport infrastructure can only strengthen its position as the nation’s favourite resort.”
A VisitBritain spokesman admitted Blackpool was an “iconic” destination, and said Sabine’s comments “do not represent the views” of the tourist organisation.