MORE visitors are likely to be lured to Morecambe Bay in 2014 in a dedicated marketing push to attract tourists.

Day visitors, families, walkers and cyclists are being targeted in a campaign to encourage more people to what officials say are its natural beauty, open space and tranquillity.

A Morecambe Bay tourism ‘brand’ is being developed for the North Lancashire and South Cumbria coastline with the hope it will be seen as ‘an inspiring day out in the outdoors and accessible to all.’

They hope to attract families and adults aged over 50 in the AB and C1 demographic.

The bay’s appeal is said to be its 'outstanding scenery and natural beauty, its ever changing views, culture, nature and wildlife', says a report to councillors.

Officials also hope to promote walking, kitesurfing, sailing, canoeing, fishing and cycling breaks.

Among the organisations in the effort are district councils around the Bay in both Lancashire and Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism and Marketing Lancashire.

Barrow Borough Council is meeting on December 18 to consider adopting the brand and is expected to contribute £1,000 towards the branding project.

A report to councillors said: “Lancashire County Council and Lancashire City Council jointly commissioned a study by Cairn Consulting into tourism branding for the Lancaster District.

“This recommended a destination brand ‘Morecambe Bay’ which extends beyond the boundaries of the Lancashire District to include South Cumbria and destinations such as Carnforth, Heysham, Silverdale, Arnside, Grange, Ulverston, Barrow-in-Furness, Dalton-in-Furness and the islands of Barrow. Morecambe Bay is a unique landscape which has influenced the history and culture of its surroundings.”

The report suggests the council adopts the brand throughout its tourism promotions for the Barrow area and to support opportunities created by organisations like the Kendal-based Morecambe Bay Partnership.

The charity has recently secured over £3.5 million of external investment and plans to secure £10 million in the next decade with headline projects including the Bay Cycle Way.