Date issued: 3 August 2020
A strong presence in today’s digital world is vital in a crowded tourism market. The upgraded site will help showcase Colchester and the surrounding area to a much wider audience, at a key time for the visitor economy as it recovers from the Covid lockdown.
Historically, the website has attracted well over 300,000 unique users each year (source: Google Analytics), and it is hoped the new site will deliver an improved experience to potential visitors who will be greeted by stunning new videography, panoramic photography and much improved site navigation.
With a new blog function, enhanced listings (which now includes the option for attractions and businesses to use video to promote their offerings) and a new simple clean layout, visitors can take their time and travel on a virtual trip across the borough. Packed with information on attractions, places to stay and things to do, it’s a mine of information about the area.
Colchester’s beautiful borough boasts unique heritage, glorious countryside and coast and a vibrant town centre. Combining hidden treasures like the Colne Valley with well know tourism hotspots such as Mersea Island and the Dedham Vale – affectionately known as Constable Country – and major attractions such as Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, the area has plenty to keep visitors busy for a day, a weekend or an extended break.
Councilor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Tourism is facing unprecedented challenges in 2020 and beyond and I’m pleased we have been able to take the first small step in getting back on track. Tourism supports over 7,000 jobs across the borough and is worth a staggering £380 million to our local economy, which is so vitally important to us.
“Many families will be looking for places to visit closer to home during 2020 and I would urge them to log on and see what Colchester has to offer. We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors in the very near future.”
In order to support the tourism recovery and its vital role in the local economy, Visit Colchester would like to offer a free listing on the new website to food, drink and retail businesses forming part of the visitor economy*, until August 31 2021. Qualifying businesses will need to email the Visitor Information Centre on vic@colchester.gov.uk to apply.
Due to coronavirus, Government restrictions are currently in place in many of the borough’s tourist attractions. The friendly Visit Colchester team is on hand to help support visitors and provide information. Visit them in person at the VIC in Hollytrees, or contact them @VisitColchester on social media, through the website or by via e-mail vic@colchester.gov.uk.
Page last reviewed: 3 August 2020