Blackpool MP Chris Webb has welcomed the newly confirmed Universal theme park in Bedford, saying it will be "great for tourism" across the UK and his constituency.
The MP, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group for tourism and hospitality, believes visitors to the new attraction will extend their trips to other British destinations.
The theme park in Bedford will be the first Universal-branded park in Europe, joining the company's existing locations in Hollywood, Florida, Japan, Singapore and Beijing.
The government has given the green light for the massive development, which is set to open in 2031.
Chris Webb said this is a "win-win" for tourism
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Speaking to Sophie Reaper on GB News, Webb said: "So what this is showing is that the UK is another premier resort for investment of international business.
"This is going to bring £50 billion to our local economies, right up and down the country, and create 28,000 jobs.
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"This is great for UK tourism and puts us on the map, but this will trickle down into areas like Blackpool. People will come to Universal and then have a weekend in Blackpool. This is a win-win."
He added: "Any investment into tourism is great. We welcome any investment and this will just be a huge boost to UK's confidence when it comes to tourism."
He explained: "We've got an award winning theme park. Award winning hotels attached to the theme park. This is thriving.
"We've got people coming in. Pleasure Beach has never been stronger. Yes, we know footfall has declined after Covid, but it's rebuilding.
"We'll just look at the investment they're bringing in. We're going to have the UK's tallest ride here in a few years because of this investment they're putting in."
The theme park in Bedford will be the first Universal-branded park in Europe, joining the company's existing locations in Hollywood, Florida, Japan, Singapore and Beijing.
The Prime Minister confirmed the plans yesterday, marking a significant milestone for UK tourism.
The development will span 476 acres and include a 500-room hotel alongside retail, dining and entertainment complexes.
The site, a former brickworks, will feature attractions likely based on Universal's popular franchisesUNIVERSALThe scale of the project is immense, with Universal expecting it to become the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
Plans for the theme park include designing select food, drink facilities and attractions that celebrate Bedford's "vibrant history."
The theme park will put Bedford "firmly on the global map" as it joins Universal's portfolio of parks around the world.
