Will 2024 Be A Better Year For Skegness Business Owners
The town has recently faced a series of challenges that threaten its tourism industry and the businesses that rely on it. From negative reviews to the impact of the creaking immigration system, Skegness business owners find themselves worrying about the future.
Skegness has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking a dose of sun, sand, and entertainment. However, in recent years the popular Lincolnshire seaside town has faced challenges from bad newspaper reviews, Covid, and the immigration problem.
The Lincolnshire seaside town has long prided itself on its traditional charm and appeal. Renowned writer Bill Bryson referred to it as “the most traditional of any English seaside resort,” capturing the essence of what draws visitors to the town.
But despite this reputation, the town has often faced criticism and negative reviews from some popular media titles.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Skegness is its association with the failures of the immigration system.
Through no fault of its own, the town has become a symbol of the system’s shortcomings. The presence of hundreds of migrants housed in hotels has raised concerns among locals and businesses alike.
The fear is that this situation will deter holidaymakers and local day trippers from Boston, Grimsby, Lincoln, Scunthorpe, and Hull from visiting Skegness and lead to the downfall of businesses that rely on tourism.
In 2023 we reported that businesses were struggling due to the reputation of the migrants taking over hotels in Skegness. This not only affected businesses in the seaside town, but it also affected those that rent out their caravans.
A lot of caravan owners struggled to rent out their caravans with many reporting cancellations due to the cost-of-living crisis, reputation of the migrants being houses in the hotels, and negative media attention.
Due to the lack of caravan bookings, owners of static caravans have been forced to sell their caravans at a loss due to not being able to cover the cost of their site fees and being fearful that 2024 will be the same as 2023.
The cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels across the UK is a significant burden on taxpayers. Skegness is no exception, with local hoteliers receiving substantial sums of money to accommodate migrants instead of tourists.
This arrangement has led to a loss of revenue for businesses and a strain on the local Skegness economy.
Ross Richardson, events manager at the Savoy hotel, explains the dilemma faced by many business owners in the town: “Those owners who have accepted the Home Office money tend not to live in the area.
That’s 400 beds that would normally be filled with holidaymakers come for the summer – people, unlike the migrants, who spend money in the town.”
The presence of migrants in Skegness has had a tangible impact on local businesses. Thousands of pounds in bookings were lost over the Christmas period due to concerns surrounding the migrant situation.
With the upcoming summer season, there is growing apprehension about the potential loss of revenue and the long-term consequences for the town’s economy.
Skegness has always been known for its tongue-in-cheek nickname, “Skeg Vegas,” but the current challenges have taken a toll on the town’s reputation.
The association with immigration issues has overshadowed its traditional appeal, leading to a perception problem that may deter potential visitors. The question now is how to strike a balance between addressing the immigration system’s flaws and restoring Skegness’s image as a desirable tourist destination.
The presence of migrants in Skegness has not only affected businesses but also sparked concerns among the local community.
Some residents, particularly women, have reported feeling unsettled by the presence of migrants and have expressed concerns about being followed.
While the police insist that migrants have not pushed up crime rates, the perception of safety and security plays a significant role in the overall appeal of the town.
Finding a solution to the challenges facing Skegness requires a delicate balancing act. On one hand, there is a need to address the flaws in the immigration system and ensure that towns like Skegness are not overwhelmed by the strain.
On the other hand, it is crucial to preserve the town’s traditional appeal and maintain its reputation as a welcoming and safe tourist destination.
As Skegness navigates its way through these challenges, the road ahead may be uncertain. The town’s businesses, local authorities, and residents must work together to find a sustainable solution that protects tourism while addressing the flaws in the immigration system. The summer season will be a crucial litmus test for the town’s resilience and ability to bounce back.