New Southend Discount Scheme Launched to Attract More Tourists by Train

National Express train operator c2c and more than 30 local businesses in the Southend Tourism Partnership have teamed up to offer special discounts to tourists who visit Southend by train.

The Southend Days Out Deals scheme provides discounts and special offers on leisure attractions, museums and galleries, restaurants and accommodation when visitors show their rail ticket. 20,000 leaflets promoting the scheme are on display at c2c stations across east London and south Essex to encourage more people to head for Southend.

The scheme offers attractions to rival the similar existing 2for1 scheme for rail passengers who visit London. As well as providing an extra incentive to visit Southend, it is expected to encourage more tourists to travel by train and so help relieve traffic on local roads.

Representatives from the Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend Adventure Island, Tomassi’s Restaurant and others joined Cllr Ann Holland, James Duddridge MP and c2c staff at Southend Central station to launch the scheme.

Clare McCaffrey, c2c commercial director said, “We’re really proud to start offering these eye-catching offers to promote Southend. We know how popular the similar scheme in London has been, so now Southend can rival those offers and attract more tourists.”

Cllr Ann Holland, executive councilor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, said: “Well done to c2c and all the businesses involved for working together to put forward such a great offer. It’s great to encourage more people to come to Southend because they will have a wonderful and special time – and we know they’ll then come back for more.”

Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge, who helped launch the scheme, said, “This scheme really showcases the breadth of Southend and its fantastic to see so many wonderful local offers that visitors can come and enjoy.”