Spring is in the air, marking the start of the tourism season and the return of English Tourism Week from Friday 14 to Sunday 23 March. This annual celebration highlights the vital role tourism plays in the national economy, and Visit Colchester is proud to support the campaign by showcasing the city as a major destination in the East of England.
Tourism remains a powerhouse industry for the city of Colchester and district, contributing £390 million to the local economy in 2023. The sector supports 7,200 jobs, equating to 9% of all employment in the city area, with 5,300 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles. These figures highlight the economic contribution of tourism not just to Colchester but the whole district, including businesses in visitor hotspots like Mersea, the Dedham Vale and the Colne Valley.
One of the standout attractions remains Colchester Zoo, which welcomed an incredible one million visitors in 2023, making it the 10th most visited paid attraction in England. Family friendly attractions like the Zoo combine with the city’s rich heritage and thriving events scene, as well as the surrounding scenic coast and countryside, to cement Colchester’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Looking ahead, investment in Colchester’s visitor economy continues. The iconic Jumbo Water Tower has secured major National Lottery funding, paving the way for its transformation into a landmark attraction. Meanwhile, Colchester Castle and Colchester Events have an exciting lineup planned for 2025, ensuring a vibrant cultural offer for residents and visitors alike.
Visit Colchester remains committed to promoting the city through the Visitor Information Centre, the Visit Colchester website, and a suite of popular publications such as the official Visit Colchester Guide. The team continues to develop the group travel market, recently releasing a series of videos showcasing group travel itineraries and participating in the Excursions Group Travel Show, which attracted approximately 1,000 visitors.
Cllr Alison Jay, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation, said: “Colchester is a city rich in history, culture and visitor experiences. English Tourism Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our thriving tourism sector, which not only brings economic benefits but also enhances our city for all who live, work and visit here. With significant investment in our heritage and infrastructure, Colchester’s visitor economy is set to grow even further.”
To celebrate English Tourism Week, Visit Colchester invites residents and visitors to show their support for Colchester as a visitor destination by picking up a FREE Visit Colchester reusable cotton shopping bag from the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum, available from 14 to 23 March.
Page last reviewed: 10 March 2025