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This represents an increase in overall tourism value of 3% since the most recent pre-pandemic figures from 2019 and a massive 47% 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 2%, day trip value down by 4% and overall tourism value down 7% 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, which found:

• Day trip volumes are up 5% on pre-pandemic levels and up 41% on 2021 figures
• Day trip value is up 3% on pre-pandemic levels and up 44% on 2021 figures
• Overnight trip value is up 6% on pre-pandemic levels
• Overall tourism value is £227,839,938; up 3% on pre-pandemic levels and 46% since 2021.

The 75-mile coastline of the Maldon District, with its unique saltmarshes, wildlife reserves, historic Thames Sailing Barges and fascinating villages and market towns has driven the area’s strong recovery, with coastal tourism proving a big incentive for visitors to the area. Nearly half (46.5%) of all day trip visitors to the Maldon District come to visit the coastline and its many attractions, compared with just 18.7% of day trippers to Essex who visit the coast.

Overnight visitors are also attracted to getting back to nature in this unspoilt district of Essex, with camping, glamping and caravanning being a far more popular option than in the county as a whole. Among overnight visitors to the Maldon District, 13% of UK visitors and 19% of overseas visitors spend their trip camping or glamping and 23% of visitors stay in a caravan. Meanwhile, in Essex as a whole, just 3% of overnight visitors stay at campsites and 7% at caravan parks.

Cllr 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 in to 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.”