TSE and partners have completed research in different areas of Kent, the information for Kent is therefore divided into five sections: Kent East, Kent Thameside, Sevenoaks, Medway and Tunbridge Wells.
Local Economy
Over the last decade, major infrastructure development in the County has transformed the possibilities for new economic development. The Channel Tunnel (opened in 1994) provides a fast-track connection between the UK and France in just 35 minutes. The high-speed Eurostar rail service stops in Ashford and Lille en-route between London, Paris and Brussels. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link due for completion in 2007, will offer a travelling time of just 35 minutes from London to Ashford.
Tourism
Tourism in Kent employs 48.000* people in 4,503 establishments including Medway. Kent Tourism is worth 1.2 billion a year and in 2003 it attracted 3.3 million people from the UK and 0.67 million trips from overseas visitors, more than any other county in the South East. The Overseas visitors to Kent spent £217 million, 10% from Germany, 50% from France, 11% from Netherlands, 23% from Belgium, 6% from Other Countries.
2004 was a particularly exciting year for the development of tourism in Kent with, for example, the opening of the new De Vere 17 million Village Hotel and Leisure Club in Maidstone and the introduction of new cross channel operators SpeedFerries and TransEuropa.
There are in excess of 17,500 hotel beds in Kent with hotel occupancy often being above the national average. The county boasts several flagship chain hotels such as the Marriott and Hilton and there has been growth in the branded budget sector.
Kent boasts a range of quality attractions including 180 gardens and more castles and historic houses than any other county. With a beautiful stretch of long coastline and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Kent has a lot of outdoor activities to offer and develop. It has also established a reputation for many high profile events.
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