More than seven-and-a-half million holidaymakers are expected to flock to Great Yarmouth this year.

The head of Visit Great Yarmouth has predicted a strong 2024 season, with plans already underway to ensure the year is a success.

To get the ball rolling, the tourism board has announced the two-day Wheels Festival, Out There Festival and summer fireworks will be returning later in the year.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Tourism is worth £650m to the borough’s economy creating 35,000 jobs – nearly a third of the borough’s employment. Picture - NewsquestTourism is worth £650m to the borough’s economy creating 35,000 jobs – nearly a third of the borough’s employment. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Visit Great Yarmouth chief executive Asa Morrison said: “We have lots of activities planned for 2024. And we expect numbers to be strong. 

"People are making the visits but are understandably more cautious about their spending.

“Post-pandemic, we are now back in competition with European holidays – although getting to Great Yarmouth and the benefits of no passport control or baggage handling is an advantage for us.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Visit Great Yarmouth chief executive Asa Morrison. Picture - Sonya Duncan Visit Great Yarmouth chief executive Asa Morrison. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant)Visit Great Yarmouth has already started local and national campaigns, boasting the borough's many attractions, offers and events.

Soon 100,000 What’s On guides will be released in time for the Easter holidays. The 68-page printed and digital magazine features information on day trips to local attractions, food and drink venues, heritage and history sites and events.

Mr Morrison said: “For us, it is to make sure we have a strong and varied events programme throughout. We work closely with our businesses to build a powerful overall offer.

“We are looking forward to the return of the two-day Wheels Festival, the Out There Festival, summer fireworks and a host of other events.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury: 50,000 visited the town's Wheels Festival in 2023. Picture - Visit Great Yarmouth50,000 visited the town's Wheels Festival in 2023. Picture - Visit Great Yarmouth (Image: Visit Great Yarmouth)Mr Morrison added that national publicity, such as Gorleston Beach being named the UK’s best beach and praised for its "great water feature and awesome beach," has helped raise the resort's profile.

A survey by Visit Great Yarmouth that found 97pc of visitors would recommend the resort to family and friends with a satisfaction rate of 92pc.

Many people praised the borough's attractions, food and drink and its beaches.

For more information, visit www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk/