Come and see the real Essex, says Harlow, as TV show boosts hotel searches


Interest in Essex breaks is shooting up on the back of the cult ITV2 series The Only Way is Essex, according to a new survey of web use.

Hotel searches in the Harlow area  shot up by59 per cent in January this year  compared to January 2010   according to travel company Hotels.com

The Hotels.com report claims the sudden interest is being driven by the ITV2 show which follows the lives of Essex Club promoter Mark Wright and his friends. It found even sharper spikes in search enquiries for hotels in Brentwood, Basildon and Chigwell – all prominent locations in the show.

The Hotels.com findings also suggests that a wave of Essex-linked celebrities – like Brit star Jessie J, X-Factor singer Matt Cardle and Dancing on Ice performer and Harlow residentJeff Brazier – have all helped to keep the county in the media spotlight.   

Cllr Joel Charles, Chairman of Harlow Council's Community and Citizenship Policy Working group, said: "The Only Way is Essex is a fun show but it can run the risk of promoting an image of  Essex that just doesn't match the reality."

"Essex is home to beautiful countryside, stunning coastlines and vibrant towns. I'm delighted that people want to visit Harlow where they can discover our world class sculpture collection, visit the start of the art leisure centre, explore the beautiful Stort Valley, visit the artists at Parndon Mill Gallery and end the day at the renowned Harlow playhouse.

"Forget the fake tan and hair extensions, come to Harlow and see something different!"

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