New research by CEBR paints an alarming picture of the clouds looming over the UK’s coastal economies. With turnover down a quarter in the last decade, the traditional heart and soul of the British seaside experience is under threat. We may like to be beside the seaside, but it’s time the government proved it does too.
Families planning trips this Easter are being encouraged to visit Britain’s seaside towns and support local arcades as new research warns the sector has faced nearly a decade of economic decline.
Independent analysis from CEBR shows seaside arcades generated £804 million in turnover and supported more than 14,000 jobs in 2024, forming part of a wider economic ecosystem worth £1.8 billion across the UK economy.
However, the same research shows the sector has been under sustained pressure, with real-terms turnover falling by 25 percent since 2015 alongside rising labour costs and shrinking margins.
With global uncertainty making some families reconsider overseas travel plans, Bacta is encouraging people to rediscover Britain’s seaside towns this Easter and support the attractions that help sustain coastal economies.
A primary advocate of the seaside switch is Joseph Cullis, President of Bacta, who echoed the concerns outlined in the CEBR report: “Seaside arcades are part of the fabric of Britain’s coastal towns. For generations they have provided affordable family entertainment while supporting local jobs and tourism.
He added: “But the economic reality is that the sector has been under increasing pressure for years. Rising costs and declining real-terms revenues are putting strain on many operators.”
All the more reason then for a clarion call to the British public to savour the domestic offering and back the home grown businesses serving their local communities. Cullis added: “With Easter marking the start of the seaside season, we are encouraging families to visit their local seaside towns and support the arcades that help bring life, jobs and visitors to coastal communities.”
And the economics reinforce exactly how important this support is. Allaster Gair, Director of Communications at Bacta, explained: “The data shows just how important seaside arcades remain to coastal economies, but it also highlights the financial pressure the sector has been absorbing for years.
“Real revenues have fallen while operating costs have risen sharply. Without the right support, many of the businesses that help bring visitors into seaside towns will find it increasingly difficult to keep going.”
“The research also highlights the wider economic importance of the sector, with every 100 jobs supported by seaside arcades helping to sustain a further 61 jobs elsewhere in the economy through supply chains and local spending.”
As part of the campaign, the industry intends to draw in the political players – the ones who actually have influence in helping to protect and preserve the UK amusements sector. Bacta is encouraging MPs representing coastal constituencies to visit arcades in their local towns this Easter to see first-hand the role they play in supporting tourism, employment and footfall.
The last resort?
Allaster Gair said… “Real revenues have fallen while operating costs have risen sharply. Without the right support, many of the businesses that help bring visitors into seaside towns will find it increasingly difficult to keep going…
Originally published on Coinslot on April 6, 2026. Republished with permission.