COUNCIL bosses have unveiled a masterplan aimed at boosting tourism in the district.

An action plan outlining ways to increase visitor numbers will be put before councillors at a cabinet meeting on Monday night.

Key to the proposals is the formation of a new partnership between district, town and parish councils, which will work with existing tourism operators to promote the district as a tourist destination.

Further efforts will be made to work with independent tourist information offices in Witham and at Freeport shopping outlet.

A website will be set up outlining what the district has to offer and the partnership will also seek to “utilise” existing assets such as Braintree Town Hall.

The action plan will be rolled out throughout the next three years.

A document outlining the proposals adds: “The tourism plan for the Braintree district will promote our unique and attractive offerings to not only new and returning visitors but also to our own residents to create a sense of pride in the area we live.”

According to the document, tourism contributes £185,752,000 a year to the local economy and employs nearly 3,000 people.