Nearly one million visitors flock to Clacton Pier
Visitor numbers at the attraction have returned to pre-pandemic levels
Nearly one million people flocked to Clacton Pier over the past 12 months.
We're hearing how visitor numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels – and above.
More than 950,000 visitors were counted going through the doors by the end of last month (December 2022).
That's a big increase on the previous two years, which were affected by enforced lockdowns and restrictions.
Director Billy Ball, said: “Both 2020 and 2021 were seriously affected by the Covid pandemic when there were periods when families simply could not come to the pier due to government regulations in place at the time.
“Last year we were open throughout, and we also enjoyed very good weather, especially in the key summer months when we expect to be at our busiest and need to take the highest proportion of our money.
“We had invested in new rides in 2021 and are constantly working to improve the attractions we have on offer, and I would worry if the footfall was not going up.”
Clacton Pier installed new equipment in 2018 which meant it was able to accurately monitor its visitors.
The following year the number hit just over 930,000 which was a jump on the estimated 600,000 before that.
It's thought the increase was largely due to a multi-million pound development which included Discovery Bay adventure play area, Skull Point golf and other improvements.
Mr Ball added: “We cannot take our foot off the pedal, and we have to keep providing top quality attractions and great value for money to pull customers in.
“That is why we are currently working on Jurassic Pier, our new dinosaur walk-through experience and 4D cinema which will replace the seaquarium in the Spring.
“Other projects are also being lined-up in a bid to increase both visitor numbers and spend.
“We must continue to strive to increase footfall even further as Government help on VAT has been removed and it is now back to 20 percent from five percent; staff costs are 26 percent up and costs for energy and materials are increasing.
“All of this eats into profits and our ability to develop and sustain the pier.”
The main ride attractions operate at weekends and holiday periods throughout the winter and are open daily from Whitsun through to October.
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