The word oxymoron refers to a combination of contradictory or incongruous words..
..you know the sort of thing..cruel kindness..jumbo shrimp...business tourism...
Well, not too sure about the last example but its these two words I would use if I had to describe the path Southport appears to have chosen for its future.
"Imagine a destination so in tune with your conference needs that your expectations, objectives and targets are not only met but are exceeded."
Reference: http://www.visitsouthport.com/conferences/why-southport
My family and I visit Southport regularly - We were there Saturday gone - and like Blackpool, the town is most definately on the edge of change.
Hey, all you photographers out there should record for prosperity now before it's too late!
So what about Southport's tourism future then?
The negative in me believes the Lakeside Miniature Railway may not last much longer..I hope it does..It deserves to..Someone please prove me wrong. I love this attraction.
I heard a rumour it has changed hands recently?? Anyone confirm this??
The speculator in me believes that Southport '08 and beyond is going to focus on its golf courses and bird watching (Not my cup of tea but can't argue against the fact that these pursuits tick the "world class" boxes for the area.)
..Oh and of course it will have its conference facilities, cafes and hotels...
"Work has already begun on the town's multi-million pound new hotel and business complex. which will provide a four-star hotel, 10,000 sqft of exhibition space, restaurants, bars and a casino."
Reference: http://www.visitsouthport.com/conferences/why-southport
The positive in me believes Southport will always be a nice place to visit.
I have always loved Southport and don't want to start disliking it now.
Family and I (again this year) joined the throng of walkers blowing away the cobwebs with a New Years Day walk along the pier...and it was nice.
Couldn't help looking over towards Pleasureland though and wondering what splash of urban tourism is going to find its way there in years to come.
Dear Messrs designer people who dictate how we will enjoy ourselves at the seaside and who turn their noses up at the very idea of amusement park heritage because it doesn't bring in the necessary money,
Please..no expensively designed and commissioned Visitor Centres with murals on the walls showing pictures of wind turbines or pictures of people playing golf or pictures of birds in their natural habitat complete with hands on interactive quizzes and the like.
Yours faithfully
Gary
PS Besides, I personally was very happy with the Great Big Self Contained interactive visitor centre we had a couple of years back..
..It was called Southport.