TOURISM in Maldon is said to be thriving following research showing the district is seeing a “strong recovery” since the pandemic.
The visitor economy is said to be bringing £227.8million into the local area – the equivalent of 2,987 full-time jobs.
This represents an increase in overall tourism value of three per cent since the most recent pre-pandemic figures from 2019 and a massive 47 per cent increase since 2021.
The volume and value of tourism across Essex as a whole is still well below 2019 levels, with county-wide day trip volume down two per cent, day trip value down by four per cent and overall tourism value down seven per cent on pre-pandemic levels.
Meanwhile, tourism in the Maldon district has shown a strong recovery, according to the Economic Impact of Tourism, Maldon 2022 report by Destination Research.
The report found day trip volumes are up five per cent on pre-pandemic levels and up 41 per cent on 2021 figures.
Day trip value is up three per cent on pre-pandemic levels and up 44 per cent on 2021 figures, overnight trip value is up six per cent on pre-pandemic levels and overall tourism value is £227,839,938, which is up three per cent on pre-pandemic levels and 46 per cent since 2021.
Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon District Council, said: “The Maldon district has so much to offer visitors, including the wide open spaces of the peaceful saltmarsh coastline that is a haven for both wildlife and walkers.
“These latest figures show the resilience of the Maldon district and highlight the fantastic work that our tourism venues have put into attracting visitors back to the area.
“We are looking forward to 2024, when our packed events programme at Maldon’s Promenade Park, our wartime heritage that will be commemorated with the D-Day anniversary and the second Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival will all provide many more reasons for visitors to explore what the district has to offer.”
James Burrell-Cook, chair of the Maldon District Tourism Group, said: “There has been a huge amount of work completed to bring tourists to the Maldon district, including by the collaborative Maldon District Tourism Group.
“These latest figures give an indication of just how lucky we are to live and work here. We look forward to welcoming more visitors next year.”
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