Writing for PoliticsHome, J Holland and Sons’ Charles Holland has urged Britain to build on a strong summer for coastal tourism, highlighting the role of FECs in sustaining jobs, investment and footfall in seaside communities.
Britain’s renewed appetite for seaside holidays presents an opportunity to strengthen coastal economies and recognise the contribution of operators, Charles Holland has argued in PoliticsHome.
Holland, of J Holland and Sons, said the 2026 summer had brought a welcome improvement in trade following several challenging years for coastal businesses.
“For the first time in a long time, we’ve had a good summer,” he commented. “After years of declining visitor numbers, this year it felt like there was a genuine buzz on the sea front.”
Holland’s family entered the amusement industry 63 years ago, growing from a single site in Weymouth to an eight-arcade business employing more than 150 people across the South West, with the acquisition of Burnham Pier in 2017 among its notable expansions. He contrasted that growth with the retreat of other bricks-and-mortar businesses, arguing amusement operators have continued investing “millions in the heart of our communities”.
“That’s not just investment, it’s jobs, it’s a sense of community, and being proud of where you’re from,” Holland added.
Affordability, he argued, remains one of the seaside amusement sector’s strongest attributes at a time of continued pressure on household finances.
“The arcade is one of the few places a family can spend an afternoon together for under a tenner,” he continued. “There are not many forms of entertainment that grandparents, parents and children can enjoy side by side.”
Holland also highlighted the wider economic impact of amusement venues, with seasonal recruitment providing young people with first jobs while visitor footfall benefits neighbouring businesses.
“A busy pier or arcade is an anchor for the whole seafront, and footfall for the amusements is footfall for the cafés, the gift shops and the chippies alongside them,” he explained.
Looking beyond the summer, Holland argued the challenge is to encourage visitors to return during traditionally quieter months.
“The heatwave didn’t create the appeal of the British seaside so much as remind people it was there all along,” he said.
Holland concluded that family arcades, piers and seafront amusements can help sustain that momentum through their long-term investment, employment and continued presence at the heart of coastal communities.
The seaside links
Charles Holland said……. “A busy pier or arcade is an anchor for the whole seafront, and footfall for the amusements is footfall for the cafés, the gift shops and the chippies alongside them……
Originally published on Coinslot on September 7, 2026. Republished with permission.