COLCHESTER could prove to be a major attraction for Chinese tourists.

A delegation of ten Chinese tour operators based in London visited the county on Monday *MAR10* alongside Essex County Council representatives.

Sue Lissimore, Essex councillor for Drury division, which takes in Prettygate, in Colchester, was part of the county council delegation leading the tour, which took in Colchester, Tiptree and Maldon.

She said: “The Chinese market is the great untapped for us.

“It seems there is a great interest in Colchester from the operators, because it is so compact.

“There was a particular interest in Tiptree because they are fascinated with English cream tea, so they loved Wilkin and Sons cafe.”

It is hoped the hospitality industry in the county will benefit from an increase in visits as Chinese tourists are set to account for a 60 per cent growth in global tourism by 2020.

Research shows Chinese visitors spend £1,688 per visit, compared to an average visitor spend of £567.

A Chinese tourist brochure has also been produced, which will shortly be on the shelves in China as well.

It will also be sent to Chinese tourist operators based in London.