THE visitor economy across the Liverpool City Region – which includes the districts of Southport, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton – has enjoyed massive growth in tourists visits over the past decade.

For example, the Seaside Tourist Industry report shows that tourism in Southport is now worth £94m a year and is responsible for 5,300 jobs.

The town is the eighth highest in the UK for jobs directly sustained by tourism.

Southport's re-birth as England's "Classic Resort" – following more than £200m investment in recent years – has helped the town buck the trend during the recession.

Steve Christian, Sefton Council's tourism marketing manager, said: "The drift towards ‘staycations’ is set to continue this year, as more people look to holiday at home. Southport has moved with the times and is now recognised as England's Classic Resort, thanks to the investment in new facilities combined with our traditional seaside attractions."

"With further investment, new events and facilities we are expecting even more short break and day visitors as people continue to spend even more leisure time closer to home."

Future improvements include the £12m redevelopment of Southport Arts Centre and Atkinson Art Gallery into a state-of-the- art cultural centre.