Essex: Tourism Visitor Boost Tipped

Essex looks set to benefit from a boost in the number of tourists this summer, according to experts.

The tourism industry already contributes an estimated £.28billion to the county's economy and supports more than 54,000 jobs.

With the start of English Tourism Week, Visit Essex has launched a new book of money-off vouchers. Tourism chiefs hope the 'Live Local, Love Local' offers will help residents spend more time getting to know the county, discovering the gems available on their doorsteps.

George Kieffer, chairman of Visit Essex, said: "Essex really does have something for everyone, from riverboat trips to castles, historic houses to beautiful gardens and a real range of outdoor activities.

"Designed to help money stretch a little bit further, we hope these vouchers will encourage people to go to places they have not been to before and them go back and tell their friends and families about them too."

Places to visit include Layer Marney Tower, Barleylands, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Lee Valley Park Farms, Colne Valley Railway, RHS Garden Hyde Hall and Hedingham Castle.