A new tourism website has been launched following the closure of the local Visitor Information Centres to encourage people to visit Lancaster and Morecambe Bay.
Lancaster City Council and local partners Hotfoot have created www.lancasterandmorecambebay.com to promote the very best tourism attractions, retail, food and leisure venues across the district.
The new website includes itineraries for days out plus inspiration on things to do whatever the weather and the council said it "has been designed to inspire visitors to explore the district and discover hidden gems to keep all the family entertained".
The Visitor Information Centres (VICs) at The Platform in Morecambe and the Storey in Lancaster, which provided in-person information to tourists and locals alike for many years, closed in September 2023 due to council budget cuts.
The council said at the time, that it would replace the VICs with a £294,000 plan to modernise the way it provides tourist information including a new and improved destination website.
As well as the website, the government UK Shared Prosperity Fund money has been spent on new digital screens and interactive touch screen kiosks in locations across the district.
The first new touch screens, named Visitor Information Points (VIPs), were unveiled in January.
The council said the screens are designed so visitors can browse and find out more about Lancaster, Morecambe Bay, and the district’s rural destinations. They also carry events listings and suggestions of what to see and do, plus essential travel and transport information.
Another new digital visitor touchscreen will soon be launched at Lancaster Bus Station.
Read more: New 'VIP' tourist info touch screens unveiled in Lancaster and Morecambe - Beyond Radio
Here is Councillor Catherine Potter with one of the VIP screens at The Platform.
The council said in 2023 that closing the VICS was "part of a long-term review of how the council provides tourist information, both online and in-person, and will complement the existing tourism marketing undertaken by the council and other partners" and said the funding "will ensure a strong visitor information offer can continue to be provided via other means".
As part of the council's digital drive to promote the district and all it has to offer, the new website is being supported by the launch of new social media channels on Facebook, X and Instagram.
You can search @LancMoreBay to connect and be kept up to date with what’s going on.
A competition is also being held via the new social media channels to have a chance to win dinner, bed and breakfast at The Royal Kings Arms Hotel in Lancaster.
The council has also launched a new Morecambe Bay Visitor Magazine, designed by Proper Studio, which will soon be appearing on leaflet racks in and around the district.
The £294,000 project is due to be completed by March 2025.
Councillor Catherine Potter, cabinet member with responsibility for the visitor economy, community wealth building and culture, said: “The visitor economy is worth more than £400m per annum and a strong digital presence is essential in showcasing our district far and wide.
“The new website is packed full of information on attractions, places to stay and things to do, to tempt both day visitors and those looking to stay for longer.
“I am confident that this new website will generate even greater interest in the area and see the value of our visitor economy increase even further.”
The site is being expanded daily with more listings and articles, so if you have any ideas for items or venues that could be included, please email tourism@lancaster.gov.uk.
Multi-coloured art basketball court to be launched in Morecambe park
Lancaster man jailed for making indecent images of children after police find hidden laptop
Morecambe FC "continues to face serious financial pressures"
Councillor hits back at Lancaster MP saying potholes attack was "bizarre pantomime"
Lancaster and Morecambe employers sign up for Fair Work Charter
Furniture charity with warehouse in Morecambe announces closure
Council chief exec apologies for ‘teething problems’ during new bin collection roll out
Educators visit Cornwall site to help shape Eden Project Morecambe
Second date announced for Winter Gardens Eric Morecambe centenary show
Carnforth-based holiday park operator donates £100,000 to Lancaster hospice
Morecambe filling station remains closed as supermarket 'monitors stock levels'
Lancaster Music Co-op prepares £100k Arts Council bid to help overcome funding shortfall
Warning for patients in Lancaster and Morecambe district as resident doctors set to strike next week
Date announced for Morecambe Pride
LISTEN: Forces veterans to cycle between Carlisle and Morecambe football grounds
New plans for Morecambe trade park aim to attract local businesses
Lancaster University invites local groups to bid for share of £20K fund
Community rallies round as Lancaster charity building remains closed after wall collapse
Have your say on multi-million pound Lancaster City Museum revamp plans
New owners reveal plans after taking over popular Morecambe pub
