Love was in the air for Kent on Valentine's Day thanks to a collaboration between Southeastern, Visit Kent and the travel trade association UKinbound as part of a bid to introduce 20 tour operators who aim to inspire visitors from around the world to visit Kent. The initiative came as part of a plan to encourage year-round international visitors, supporting its hospitality and leisure sector.
The event had been ongoing from Sunday the 12th up to Tuesday the 14th of February and built upon the legacy of Kent's Heritage Coast which has been named one of Lonely Planted top regions to visit for 2022 which was created to support inbound trips from around the world including tourists from North America, India, the Far East and 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.”
The tour operators began their visit to Gravesend by boarding Southeastern's high-speed service from St. Pancras. The group also visited Medway ahead of checking in to the Chilston Park Hotel prior to enjoying dinner at Hush Heath Estate and Balfour Winery. During the three-day event the operators also enjoyed:
- A visit to Leeds Castle ahead
- Lunch at the Kent Cookery School at Frasers at Coldharbour Farm
- A visit to Sissinghurst Castle
- A beginner Yoga session at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest alongside a guided tour of Scotney Castle and Hedgerow Heart workshop at The Cowshed Workshop
- An overnight stop at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and dinner in its refectory
- A tour of Hampton by Hilton Ashford International
- A visit to the Curious Brewery
- A visit to Romney Marsh Shepherd Hut
- A trip aboard the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
- A visit to Folkestone Harbour Arm, where the group enjoyed an artwork walking tour of Creative Folkestone
- A trip along the coast to the UNESCO Geopark at Samphire Hoe
- A tour of Shepherd Neame's Marine Hotel
- A visit to the Maidstone Distillery
- Falconry and archery at Joe's Bow's
- Lunch at The Lobster Shack
- A walking tour of Whitstable
- A visit to Margate with a tour of Turner Contemporary
- A trip to the Margate Cookery School
Valentine's day itself saw the lucky tour operators develop business relationships with local suppliers whilst enjoying a Kent district fair alongside network opportunities over breakfast at Walkmer Castle and Gardens which also featured a half-day workshop including pre-organised meetings with hoteliers and visitor attractions. After all of this, a visit to Betteshanger Country park was enjoyed ahead of heading back to London with Southeastern.
