Research findings have shown that the visitor economy in the AONBs has been hit hard by the pandemic, but is starting to rebound. The impact on the visitor economy for 2021 is summarised as:

• Up 40% in the Coast & Heaths AONB on 2020, but still 27% below the 2019 levels
• Up 52% in the Dedham Vale AONB on 2020, but still 24% below the 2019 levels
• Up 57% in the Stour Valley on 2020, but still 30% below the 2019 levels

Visitors play a key role in the local economy with bespoke businesses providing employment, while other businesses being viable due to money spent by visitors. Many of these businesses trade on being in an outstanding landscape.

Despite some problems associated with a minority of visitors, such as littering, the visitor economy provides an economic stimulus to the area which can contribute to a greater understanding and conservation of the nationally designated landscapes.