Council to set up new tourism body in Kent

The visitor economy in Kent is worth £4bn, according to Kent County Council

An organisation promoting tourism in Kent which has ceased operating is to be replaced, a council has said.

Kent County Council (KCC) said on Wednesday that Visit Kent had gone into liquidation after its partner company folded.

The authority told BBC Radio Kent on Thursday that it would set up and fund a new group to replace the tourism organisation.

Paul King, cabinet member for economic development and coastal regeneration, said: "We still see as one of our core activities investing in the visitor economy."

Mr King added: "It won't be Visit Kent, but there will be a body that helps promote the visitor economy in Kent.

"It will be a combined body promoting all tourist attractions in the county.

"We are looking at all options and want to get a result as quickly as we can."

Go To Places, the parent company of Visit Kent and Visit Hertfordshire, folded on Wednesday.

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 operations "increasingly unsustainable".

The visitor economy in Kent is worth £4bn and represents 11% of all jobs in the county, KCC said.

Tourism in Kent creates 11% of all jobs, according to Kent County Council

Matt Sworder, owner of the Corner House Restaurant in Canterbury, said: "Visit Kent would give us a regular update on what is going on in the Canterbury marketplace and tourism numbers.

"To not have that is devastating.

"I hope the council makes sure all the independent restaurants and businesses in Kent are supported as it's a tough time at the moment."

Duncan Leslie, chief executive at Hever Castle, said: "Visit Kent was a great organisation that really raised Kent's profile.

"It's really sad news."