Visit Kent KCC Team
The Visit Kent team based at County Hall in Maidstone manages, develops and co-ordinates the delivery of the strategy for the tourism industry in Kent, in consultation with the industry, through the newly formed Visit Kent Partnership. This includes key industry organisations and representatives and is chaired by Bill Ferris, Chief Executive, Chatham Historic Dockyard with Louise Dando, Regional Manager, English Heritage in support as Vice Chair.
The KCC team is co-ordinating a tourism regeneration and development strategy for Kent (to be launched in 2009); they also deliver industry training and research programmes in conjunction with Tourism South East (TSE), the regional tourist board, manage the Quality Programme to encourage the improvement and inspection of accommodation across Kent and manage European funding applications, co-ordination and delivery.
Some key successes:
- Establishment of the first European Greeters Programme, engaging the community in welcoming visitors to their local area. Pilot established in Thanet.
- Engaging young people in the tourism agenda – pilot for “Greeters” branding and involvement in perception workshops.
- Establishment of the “Pride in Kent” people awards scheme in Thanet, Shepway, Ashford and Medway.
- 320 “Out and About” visits improving product knowledge.
- Fulfillment of the “Skills Network” contract for Tourism South East.
- Pioneered the first Big Day Out on 31 March 2007 with the third happening on 28th March 2009
- Established new business performance monitoring programme.
- New regular Business Barometer
- Cross Channel research project.
- Coastal Kent project.
- Cruise Connection partnership