The ‘Discover your Kent Experience’ introduced the 20 tour operators, who are tasked with attracting visitors from around the world, to the county as part of a concerted plan to boost year-round international visitor numbers and support Kent’s hospitality and leisure sector.
The event, which took place between Sunday 12 and Tuesday, 14 February, was held in partnership with travel trade association UKinbound, and led by Visit Kent, the county’s destination management organisation. It builds on the legacy of Kent’s Heritage Coast being named one of Lonely Planet’s top regions to travel to in 2022 and was designed to help drive future inbound trips from around the world, including visitors from North America, India and the Far East, as well as Europe.
Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound, said: “These events are vital for our tour operator members who are always looking for new high-quality products for their customers. Being able to experience first-hand the full range of amazing activities, landscapes and accommodation that are available in Kent means that they will have the confidence and knowledge to sell the Garden of England more successfully to international visitors.
“Research shows that over 50% of all visitors to the UK use an intermediary, so these events are a great opportunity for local businesses to establish new valuable relationships with the UK travel trade which will help them to attract more customers and more revenue, which is so badly needed following the pandemic.”
Nikki Causer, Head of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships at Southeastern, added: “Kent is home to the country’s only high speed rail service, visitors to London can easily hop aboard one of our trains and discover the Garden of England’s wonderful countryside, coastline, towns and world heritage sites, such as at Canterbury and Dover.
“The combination of our rail network, partnership with Visit Kent and collaboration with destinations and independent businesses means we are perfectly placed to help support the county’s vital tourism industry and the people who work in it.”
Climbing aboard Southeastern’s high speed service at St Pancras, the tour operators started their visit in Gravesend, before taking in Medway. The entourage checked in to Chilston Park Hotel before enjoying dinner at Hush Heath Estate and the Balfour Winery.
The group visited Leeds Castle, before lunch at the Kent Cookery School at Frasers at Coldharbour Farm, before heading to Sissinghurst Castle.
After a beginner’s yoga session at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, there was a guided tour of Scotney Castle and Hedgerow Heart workshop at The Cowshed Workshop, before staying overnight at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and dinner in the refectory.
An early start saw the group shown round Hampton by Hilton Ashford International before a trip across the road to the Curious Brewery, and then visit to Romney Marsh Shepherd Hut and trip aboard the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway.
They also spent time at Folkestone Harbour Arm, where the group enjoyed an artwork walking tour of Creative Folkestone, before heading along the coast to the UNESCO Geopark at Samphire Hoe, before returning to Canterbury.
After a tour of Shepherd Neame’s Marine Hotel, the third day saw another packed itinerary including visits to the Maidstone Distillery; falconry and archery at Joe’s Bows, and lunch at The Lobster Shack after a walking tour of Whitstable.
Margate was next on the visit, with a behind the scenes tour of Turner Contemporary and trip to the Margate Cookery School.
On Valentine’s Day, the tour operators took the opportunity to develop business relationships with local suppliers and enjoyed a Kent district fair and networking breakfast at Walmer Castle and Gardens, involving a half-day workshop offering pre-scheduled meetings with hoteliers and visitor attractions. This was followed by a visit to Betteshanger Country Park, before heading back on Southeastern’s high speed service from Dover Priory to London St Pancras.
