Blackpool and other coastal resorts "have really regenerated in recent years" to become "viable holiday options" for a range of visitors, it has been claimed.

According to VisitBritain, resorts are focusing their offerings to target particular markets. Blackpool, for example, hopes to become a sub-regional commercial and retail centre.

In fact, the Blackpool Taskforce has set out a masterplan for the Lancashire coastal resort. The Talbot Gateway development involves transforming a large section of the town centre into a commercial and shopping hub.

Sian Brenchley, spokesperson for VisitBritain, said: "Our seaside resorts have really regenerated in recent years. They're offering a lot more to the domestic holidaymaker.

"It's fantastic news because it's regenerating the image of Britain overall. We've got so many diverse holiday opportunities for people to experience while they're here."

According to the UK Coast Guide, around 25 million holidays were spent on the British coast in 2005, amounting to 115 million nights.

Earlier this month, the government said it would invest millions of pounds in Blackpool over the next three years.

Known as Sea Change, the programme aims to stimulate local economic growth through investment in heritage and culture.