Holiday boom brings eight million a year

The number of people visiting Brighton and Hove has soared by 60 per cent over the last five years.

The latest figures concerning tourism show that eight million people visit the towns each year.

Melanie Sensicle, destination marketing manager for Brighton and Hove Council said: "Leisure and tourism in Brighton and Hove is very good.

"Many of our tourism-related businesses are thriving at the moment.

"I think Brighton is a particularly fashionable place at the minute.

"It has reinvented itself over the last five years. It appeals to a large range of visitors and we have a lot to offer. The visitors' experience is generally very positive.

"Recent research shows that Brighton comes out as a place which is good value for money, there's good accommodation, something for children to do and something for more lively people."

The figures come from an economic impact study carried out over recent weeks.

Coun Ian Duncan told the council's policy and resources committee that much of the increase was caused by an upturn in the economy.

Tourism and conferences in the town account for 20 percent of the local economy.

Environment councillor John Ballance said that 13,000 jobs were supported by the industry and it was important nothing should be done to upset it.

Lead leisure councillor Mike Middleton said: "The towns are booming. People come here and they never want to leave. It's wonderful.

"The renovation by the council of the seafront has played a big part. Every time the sun comes out, thousands of people go on to the beach.

"Having lived here all my life, I can say it's a lot more vibrant than it used to be.

"We are attracting new investment all the time and we are probably underestimating the part tourism plays in the economy."