Having been the Minister responsible for Tourism for 8 months last year and previously Secretary of State, Sir John is very much aware of the huge importance of Tourism to our economy, worth around £130 billion a year.
Tourism businesses were hit especially hard by Covid but have since recovered strongly. In Essex, tourism is hugely important and in 2002 there was recorded to have been over 50 million day visitors and over 2 million overnight stays. Essex is well-placed with two airports and located close to London and is also fortunate in the variety and quality of its visitor attractions. In Maldon alone, there are parks, countryside and the estuary all of which attracts ramblers, birdwatchers and sports enthusiasts.
Not to mention heritage assets like Beeleigh Abbey and the Plume Library as well as nationally important military history destinations such as Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and the Combined Military Services Museum. In addition, food and wine are both becoming steadily more important as local industries which are also attracting increasing numbers of visitors to learn about and enjoy the products.
Sir John was delighted to discuss with the Board of Visit Essex what more can be done to boost tourism in the County and welcome their becoming a Local Visitor Economy Partnership which brings together various tourism bodies and opens access to national funding and support.
Visit Essex | Official Tourist Site
Among those pictured below are Cllr Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager and Board Members Demetra Lindsey, Sir John, Flint and Steve Mannix with Ian Twinley, owner of Hatfield Place.
