Visit Kent unveils new sustainability plan

County destination management organisation Visit Kent marked ‘Kent Day’ by launching a new sustainability plan.

Last week it held a reception at The House of Commons with The Port of Dover and LeShuttle celebrating Kent’s tourism and hospitality industry.

The new sustainability plan for the visitor economy in Kent has been developed over a number of months by The Act for Impact Group.

It includes sustainability leaders from the tourism industry, public sector and nature conservation organisations.

They are involved with some of Kent’s flagship sustainability initiatives such as the plan to secure UNESCO Global Geopark status for the Kent Downs AONB and the Produced in Kent Food Loop.

The plan’s key priorities are to reduce the impact of food on nature by encouraging local, organic and plant-based options.

It encourages visitors to use low carbon and active travel options when travelling to and around the county.

It will also develop a new nature payback pilot scheme – ‘Back to Nature’ – which will encourage visitors to ‘pay it back’ to Kent’s nature and wildlife.

This will support regenerative projects that increase biodiversity.

Visit Kent launched a new set of resources for tourism businesses to support the positive action.

They and invited small businesses to becoming ‘Impact Heroes.’

Key examples include Canterbury Brewers and Distillers, Romney Marsh Wools and Shepherds Huts, Castle Farm Kent, Terlingham Vineyard, The Rebel Farmer, and Carley Coaching Ltd.

A new consumer campaign ‘It’s In Our Nature‘ has also launched which encourages visitors and residents to start making small changes.

Deirdre Wells OBE, CEO of Visit Kent said: “There is so much to celebrate in our wonderful county but we need to make sure that we preserve and enhance it.”

“It outlines the steps that we need to take so that we can all play our part in the transition towards net zero.”

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