MORE than 41 million people visited tourist attractions in Essex last year, making it one of the UK's most popular tourism spots.
The figures released at the annual Visit Essex Conference also revealed visitors travelled from all over the country and the world to holiday in the county, spending almost £3 billion while here.
Whether it was dancing away at Chelmsford's V Festival, strolling around the Royal Horticultural Society's historic Hyde Hall in Rettendon, or exploring our 300 miles of coastline, tourists had plenty to choose from.
About half of the visits came from day-trippers within the county or people within a two-hour journey away.
George Kieffer, chairman of Visit Essex, said: "I am delighted that tourism has held up so well in our difficult economic climate.
"The Visit Essex team has been working hard on behalf of all our members to promote the many and diverse attractions that we have to offer to the rest of the UK and beyond.
"The figures prove that Essex can compete with other UK tourist destinations and that this county truly has it all in terms of visitor attractions."
The figures from the 2011 Economic Impact of Tourism Report, commissioned by Essex County Council, also showed that more than 50,000 people were employed in tourism roles in the county, which makes up eight per cent of all employment in the county.
The county also attracts a higher than average number of younger visitors, who are drawn to the area by the hit TV show The Only Way Is Essex.
Meanwhile, the Essex Chronicle Media Group has announced the launch of our new Essex Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2013.
Organiser Anne Pocock said: "The Essex Chronicle Media Group is delighted to announce the launch of the Essex Tourism and Hospitality Awards in association with Visit Essex.
"The awards are designed to recognise outstanding visitor attractions, food establishments, the best accommodation and the finest chefs. Previously known as the Essex Food and Drink Awards, launched in 2008 this new programme expands and connects the two major leisure pastimes of visiting attractions and dining out."
Anglia Produce, leading supplier to the hotel and catering trade, has already signed up as lead sponsor for the hospitality category, but more sponsors are still welcomed for a number of other categories.
Steve Hatch, one of the directors of Anglia Produce, said: "We supply high quality produce to the hotel and catering trade on a daily basis ensuring that they in turn can deliver fresh produce to their customers."
Fellow director Mark Dunnage said: "Great food, produced locally, is an intrinsic part of what makes Essex a great place to live and work and there is no doubt that dining out plays a major part in our lifestyles."
The Essex Restaurant of the Year category will be sponsored by Knight Meats and Young Chef of the Year will be sponsored by Colchester Institute.
Mrs Pocock said: "There are eight major awards in total and winners of the tourism awards will go forward to represent Essex in the national 2014 Visit England Awards for Excellence."
To register as a sponsor contact Anne Pocock on 01245 400878 or e-mail anne@apteventspro.co.uk
