SEAFRONT hospitality businesses are hoping for another good year after it emerged Southend saw some of the largest growth in customer demand of any seaside destination last year.

Southend rose in popularity among holiday-goers by 100 per cent in 2021, while Essex as a whole jumped 80 per cent, according to data from holiday rental firm Vrbo.

Following long periods of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, hotels and B&Bs revelled in the increased business, and those in the sector are hoping for a similar boost this year.

“When looking at the last two years, with people not being able to travel abroad and choosing UK destinations for holidays, Southend is really coming up in the world as the place to go,” said The Seven Hotel manager Jonathan Peters.

“Recent changes, such as becoming a city, will only cause a further influx of visitors.”

With famed-attractions along the seafront, from the arcades, to the pier, and Adventure Island, Southend has plenty to offer.

Set to be further boosted by a new cohort of trams operating along the pier, the soon-to-be city, has set out its stall among the country’s best seaside destinations.

“Britain has some fantastic coastal resorts, each have their own identity, but Southend has managed to build a very special one,” continued Mr Peters.

“Something about it has that working class charm, but there is another side to it with many fancy hotels and restaurants."

He added: “I can only envisage a positive outlook for the year. We are getting over the top of the hill and on to better days.”

Emma Bearman, manager of Moorings B&B, says her business saw a massive boost in bookings last summer.

She said: “We were very busy, as soon as people were allowed to go on holiday we had loads of bookings and interest in Southend went up immensely.

“It is such a lovely seaside spot with a lot to offer for young people with Adventure Island and the Sealife Centre, it’s a great place for family holidays.”

Emma hopes Brits will continue to chose staycations over holidays abroad this year, and provide a further boon for the industry.