Visit Essex gains MPs support during English Tourism Week

20th March 2025

Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, marked English Tourism Week by showcasing the county’s top destinations and visitor attractions with its local MPs.

MPs from across Essex joined forces to shine a light on the county’s much-loved tourist attractions, destinations and top places to stay and eat. 

Tourism in Essex is worth £3.5 billion; the county welcomes 54.2 million visitors a year, making the sector one of the largest in the county.

Heading out on the tourist trail were Pam Cox MP who took a tour of one of Essex’s most visited attractions, Colchester Castle. While James Cleverly MP visited another Norman keep, Hedingham Castle. Over in Harwich, Sir Bernard Jenkin made a trip to the historic Electric Palace cinema, which has been used for filming Downton Abbey. 

Further south in the county, Richard Holden MP showcased Basildon and was pictured by the town’s Hollywood-style sign. Whereas Sir John Whittingdale MP popped in for a pint at the Victoria Inn, Maldon. Jen Craft MP took a tour of English Heritage’s impressive Tilbury Fort. Alex Burghat MP made a visit to the stunning Brentwood Cathedral. While Bayo Alaba MP showcased Southend’s golden sands.    

To the west of the county Chris Vince MP took a whistlestop tour of Harlow. He visited the Gibberd Gallery and Gardens, Water Gardens, Harlow Town Football Club and Parndon Mill. 

Councillor Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, was full of praise for the MPs efforts. He says: “Our MPs had a great time visiting a diverse range of tourist attractions and destinations across Essex during English Tourism Week. It was great to see their support for tourism in Essex. The county is blessed with a stunning 350-mile coastline, beautiful countryside and a surprising history and heritage. Essex has something for everyone and always offers a very warm welcome.”  

He continued: “I encourage everyone to go and discover what’s on their doorstep. Spring is here and it’s a wonderful time to get out and explore, while also supporting local businesses. Why not book tickets for a fun day out, especially with the Easter holidays around the corner?” 

Collectively the MPs got together and were pictured with a letter by a tourist attraction in their constituency to spell out ‘Visit Essex’. The images have been used to promote the county on Visit Essex’s social channels. 

To discover more about Visit Essex, go to visitessex.com.

Note to Editors
VISIT ESSEX
Visit Essex is the official tourism organisation and the only body specifically marketing the whole of the county to the visitor market. We work with visitor attractions, leisure/activity providers, accommodation establishments and other tourism related businesses (including the travel trade, media and wider partners), to ensure that the county remains a leading visitor destination.

Our work encompasses major marketing campaigns, high profile PR work, business support, and the management and promotion of the official Visit Essex brand. Visit Essex will ensure that the county gets the recognition it deserves as a desirable place to visit in the 21st century. We will work closely with partners to develop a sustainable tourism offering for the future, identify new markets and harness visitors at the county's major gateways of Stansted, Harwich, Southend and Tilbury.

For further information:
Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR, hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk, or call 01206 231807.