The seaside resort in the north west of England pulled in over 21 million tourists in 2023, which was a six percent rise compared to 20.3 million the previous year.

In a statement, Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said: "Blackpool welcomed large crowds thanks to a diverse programme of major events, the launch of new attractions, a two-month extension of the autumn Illuminations season, and the expansion of the hugely successful Christmas By The Sea village.

"All of these factors, combined with strong partnerships and impactful marketing, reinforce our commitment to keeping Blackpool as the UK's most visited seaside resort and firmly establishing it as a thriving year-round destination."

The annual STEAM report - which independently measures factors such as event attendance, hotel occupancy and visitor attraction figures - added that Blackpool's tourism industry value has stayed on stable at £1.98 billion.

2023 saw the return of the Illuminations Switch-On at the Promenade for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The same year, the £2.3 million 'Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse' opened on the Promenade, while Valhalla returned to the Pleasure Beach Resort after undergoing a £4 million transformation.

Blackpool Zoo also opened its own £1.5 million big cat facility.