Tourism organisation in Kent ceases trading

Go To Places is the Local Visitor Economy Partner for Visit Kent and Visit Hertfordshire

An organisation which promotes tourism in Kent has ceased operating after its partner company folded, a council has said.

Kent County Council (KCC) has confirmed that Visit Kent has gone into liquidation.

Paul King, cabinet member for economic development and coastal regeneration, said that the "visitor economy of Kent is likely to suffer" as a result.

The visitor economy in Kent was worth £4bn and represented 11% of all jobs in the county, the council said.

Mr King said: "This is a sad day for Kent and will undoubtedly impact the profile and marketing reach of our great county as a tourist destination.

"We will be writing to government to seek support for the sector, but our immediate priority is to support the board as arrangements are made for next steps with staff and forthcoming activities."

Doug Bannister, chair of Go To Places, said the decision to cease trading was a result of a "challenging economic climate" and "rising costs for the sector" which had made continued operations "increasingly unsustainable".

"This is not a decision we have arrived at lightly and the situation has arisen not through any single decision or failure, but as a result of a complex and challenging set of circumstances that reflect the wider economic pressures facing the UK's public and tourism sectors," he said.

Mr Bannister said that the company's incoming chief executive and team had worked "tirelessly to adapt, innovate, and advocate for the value of tourism in our region".

Go To Places also delivers Visit Hertfordshire.

KCC has confirmed that the Visit Kent board will meet later this week to discuss "a way forward as the organisation".

Tudor Price, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce's chief executive, said that while Visit Kent would stop immediately, KCC could find another provider.

Visit Kent has been approached for comment.