A report by Falkirk Council has highlighted how an estimated 600,000 visitors spent in the region of £84m supporting local businesses and jobs in 2021 in the local area.
The report (being considered at a meeting of the Council’s Executive on 17 October) goes on to detail that 860,000 visitors were welcomed in 2022/23 to the Helix Park generating in the region of £1.5m from the park itself.
The report also states how the success of The Helix's current business strategy can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of its staff, business development teams, and external partners, including Scottish Canals, National Lottery Community Fund, VisitScotland, and VisitFalkirk.
A new strategy for the next five years is also set to enhance what the Helix provides for visitors in the future with an emphasis on an ‘inspirational’ visitor experience.
The strategy also has a focus on sustainability by integrating it into site management, promoting active travel, exploring EV (Electric Vehicle) charging, and encouraging travel between key locations such as The Helix, Rosebank Distillery, Falkirk Distillery, The Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk Town Centre and Callendar Park.
It goes on to outline priority areas for the future so that by 2028, Helix Park will:
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Attract 1 million visitors annually and provide a quality experience for every visitor.
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Generate £1.75m in income from various trading opportunities such as catering, tours and retail.
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Deliver a vibrant, sustainable outdoor events program with less reliance on public sector funding.
Michael McGuinness, Head of Growth, Planning and Climate Change explained: “As The Helix continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to what sustainable tourism can achieve.
“It has not only become a source of local pride but also a model for destinations worldwide, showing that environmental responsibility and economic prosperity can coexist harmoniously in the realm of tourism.
“In this report, officers have made a number of recommendations on how the Helix can progress further over the coming decade, and it is now up to Councillors to decide if that is the best way to move forward.”
You can read the full report here.