THE number of tourists Colchester attracts is likely to be a fraction of the six million “visitor” figure published by the borough council.

Colchester MP Will Quince has questioned the figures after a meeting with Tim Young, councillor responsible for tourism, to discuss his concerns over how the town is being promoted.

Earlier this year, the council said, in a press release about tourism, the number of visits to Colchester had increased from 2.8 million in 1993 to more than six million in 2014.

After meeting Mr Young yesterday, Mr Quince revealed the council had counted the total number of trips made to attractions, such as Leisure World and Colchester Zoo, included many made by residents.

He described the statistics as totally flawed.

He said: “Part of the problem is the way stats are used which should be to paint a true picture.

“I met with Tim because I had real concerns over how the council promotes the town and wanted to ask about its strategy.

“It was a productive meeting and there is a huge focus on arts and culture, which I applaud, but the massive low hanging fruit is heritage.

“I’m keen to work with them in attracting tourists and for heritage to get more push.”

Mr Quince said one of the items they agreed on is increasing the number of coach drop-off points.

He also called for more hotel rooms, particularly budget hotels, and improved signs to attractions.

Mr Young said the council has never said the six million relates to tourists and is a nationally recognised figure of visitor attendances.

He said: “Six million is the number of visitor attendances at all the attractions in the borough, which could include Will’s daughter going to Leisure World swimming pool.

“I’ve never said it’s about tourists, other people have put a different spin on it, and I’m disgusted withWill because he said he clearly understood.

“Every other place uses it, so why shouldn’t we? I 100 per cent stand by it because it’s right and nationally accepted.

“Why should we talk ourselves down?”

According to community interest group Destination Colchester, the council’s methodology is flawed.

Scott Everest, a hospitality and tourism consultant, said the number of unique visitors to the town is immeasurable.

He said: “It’s a massive issue and it also affects investment into the economy because people think more people are coming into Colchester and then shops don’t get the footfall.

“This is partly why businesses are failing as we only have one-fifth of the visitors we thought we had.”