LEADERS with vision are wanted for the county’s award-winning tourist body.

With the longest coastline of any English county, 70 percent of the land remaining rural and a history that dates back over 2,000 years it is hardly surprising that tourism in Essex is booming.

And to ensure this success continues and that the ‘tourism offer’ is extended even further Visit Essex is looking for new board members with experience of working in or with the tourism, leisure and hospitality industries.

The voluntary appointments will start in June 2016 and will require the commitment of attending quarterly board meetings, events working group meetings.

Tourism contributes nearly £3 billion annually to the local economy and employs some 55,000 people, making it a key industry for Essex.

With two flourishing airports in the north and south of the county, an efficient rail infrastructure, cruise ports at Tilbury and Harwich and ferry services from Holland, it has never been easier to access and explore the county.

To make the most of these opportunities, Visit Essex is inviting applications to join its restructured board.

Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager for Visit Essex said: “We’re looking for the new members to help us set the vision for tourism in the county from the short to medium term.

“Our candidates should have experience or an interest in the tourism industry and have skills in areas such as finance, funding and marketing.”

George Kieffer, Chairman of Visit Essex says: “Essex is a dynamic place, with a proud tradition of entrepreneurship and business savvy, allied with superb customer service and attention to detail.

“On top of that, there are individuals who love this county, making them wonderful ambassadors and champions for Essex.

"I want those people sharing their experience, passion and talent on this board. If that sounds like you, please do get in touch.”

The Visit Essex board has created a Strategic Roadmap 2016 - 2018 and has responsibility for sustainable financial outcomes, business growth and promoting Essex as a premier destination.

The new appointees will work with fellow board members on setting and monitoring the strategic direction of VE, offer management support and leadership of the VE team, actively promote the county and use their professional skills to serve on various working groups, as and when required.

Interested parties are invited to email their C.V, with a covering letter outlining why they would like to be a board member, to lisa.bone@essex.gov.uk.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Chairman George Kieffer or Lisa Bone, on 01245 437 305.

The closing date is Friday 6 May.