Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Call of the Wild Zoo

At the weekend, Sir John visited Call of the Wild Zoo outside South Woodham Ferrers, in support of English Tourism Week. 

English Tourism Week took place from the 13th to the 22nd of March this year and celebrates all that England has to offer through one of its most valuable industries. Tourism contributes over £127 billion each year to the English economy and supports over 2 million jobs. According to UK Hospitality, in the Maldon constituency, there are 286 tourism and hospitality businesses that employ almost 2500 people and generate a turnover of over £70 million.

Call of the Wild is a fantastic local business that aims to educate the next generation about conservation and the importance of biodiversity to our planet. Sir John had the pleasure of meeting Zoo Directors Lynsey Martin and Ryan Shorter to hear about the great work they do, but also to discuss some of the challenges that they are currently facing.

Tourism brings joy to millions of people each year, and this vibrant sector, as well as the diligent people who work in it, must be supported.