There were plenty of good news stories for the Morecambe Bay area at the launch of its annual brochure for tourists.
The Morecambe Bay visitor guide was unveiled at the Bay Tourism Association event at the Midland Hotel.
Around 100 guests, many representing local tourism businesses, heard about several positive developments for the tourism economy, despite the tough start to 2025 many firms have experienced.
Official STEAM statistics released last month show that visitors to the Lancaster and Morecambe District rose year-on-year to 6.96m in 2023, up from 6.87m the previous year.
Mark Prada, chair of Bay Tourism Association, also told the audience that popular TV presenter Gyles Brandreth is a big fan of Morecambe and has agreed to help promote the area on his social media channels.
Mr Prada also hailed the recent appointment of John Pye, new project director at Eden Project Morecambe, as a key moment on the path to bringing the long-awaited visitor attraction to the town.
Meanwhile Stuart Michaels, from Morecambe Music Festival, announced that his annual summer event will have a headline act for the first time ever.
Tony Johnson from Lancaster BID spoke about the 'Love Lancaster Live' music festival that will be standing in for Lancaster Music Festival this October, while David Waddington of Morecambe BID talked about the new street mural initiative that's brightening up the town.
And Ian Steel, owner of Atkinsons Coffee Roasters of Lancaster, announced his plans to open a unique new 'hidden' entertainment venue in the city.
During the event, held on Thursday, Beyond Radio spoke to some of the attendees including:
Stuart Michaels from Morecambe Music Festival and Mark Prada (below) from Bay Tourism
Gregory Wright from Lancaster Walks, Talks and Tours
David Waddington from Morecambe BID (below with Tony Johnson from Lancaster BID)
Leon Cooper and Dan Eccles from Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
Ian Steel from Atkinsons
Read more: Lancaster coffee icons reveal city's new 'secret' venue and restaurant - Beyond Radio
Maria Moriarty Eames from Marketing Lancashire
Tarnia Elsworth from Morecambe business TP Financial Solutions
Read more: Visitor numbers to Lancaster and Morecambe District rise year-on-year - Beyond Radio
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
