A NEW smartphone app is to be developed to promote tourism and events in Tendring.

The idea for the app, which could be used to promote Clacton Airshow and events at the town’s council-run Princes Theatre, was proposed to leading councillors earlier this year.

After talks about the scope of the app, Tendring Council has decided to go ahead with the initiative, which will cost £89,500 to develop and £6,000 a year running and support costs.

The council has appointed Amido to lead the project, which will focus on tourism events and leisure facilities.

Mick Skeels, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said developing an app now means Tendring Council will not fall behind the curve.

He said: “Although we have a fantastic leisure and tourism offer in Tendring – ranging from our wonderful Princes Theatre to the Clacton Airshow – we cannot sit on our laurels, and must always look at ways to get more people involved.

“We hope that by developing this app we can better promote our leisure and tourism offer directly into people’s hands – particularly through the use of notifications.

“As well as helping boost our own income, and therefore taking some of the pressure of government funding cuts off taxpayers, by promoting everything Tendring has to offer we also hope to support the wider economy.”

It is believed the app will help increase income to the council through increased theatre ticket sales, leisure centre membership and enabling e-donations to the Clacton Airshow.

Steve Jones, principal consultant at Amido, added: “Amido is excited to be working with the council on this app, which will be a great asset to the council, the community and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year for first-class events like the Clacton Airshow and the pantomime.

"The app will feature event schedules, timetables and guides for events which we hope will help all users to take full advantage of the entertainment on offer within Tendring.”