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.
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