More mid-range and luxury hotels needed in Kent to cater for rising visitor expectations for quality stays

Locate in Kent has launched a new campaign to attract more hotel operators and investors to meet rising visitor demand for mid-range and luxury accommodation county-wide.

With 65 million visitors to the Garden of England each yea, predicted tourism growth and the emergence of strategic mixed-use development sites such as Otterpool Park, near Folkestone this is a time of real opportunity for the hospitality sector to invest in Kent.

Canterbury district, for example, attracts over seven million visitors per year, making it a UK hotspot for leisure and business tourism. Major city attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral and the popularity of the coastal strip drive year-round demand in search of quality accommodation.

Key locations here include Whitstable, a growing destination for upscale boutique accommodation thanks to its artistic vibe and neighbouring Herne Bay, a location with potential for hotel and leisure developments with growing interest in coastal tourism.

In Canterbury itself, there are opportunities now for both boutique and larger-scale hotels within the city centre and surrounding areas, capitalising on it’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

Gravesham is North Kent, meanwhile, recently launched a high-profile marketing campaign to bring more visitors to the area. Tourism in this borough contributes £70 million per year to the local economy, with the local authority focused on increasing stays and attracting future investment, including accommodation providers.

Medway, where Chatham’s Historic Dockyard celebrated its 40^th anniversary as a visitor destination this year and more than 3.6 million people each year come to enjoy attractions like Rochester Castle and the annual Sweeps festival each May, is another key area of Kent with a strong tourism appeal.

Recent hotel investments in Kent include a high-quality hotel and spa with connected surf lake at Betteshanger Park, near Deal. Plans for this exciting proposal were approved by Dover District Council in March 2024.

Nick Fenton, CEO Locate in Kent, said: “Kent and Medway is a dynamic, opportunity rich region of the UK with a strong tourism appeal and a welcoming business environment. Places like Canterbury, Gravesham and Medway are a key part of that story, rich in history and visitor appeal.

“Our focus is to drive interest in specific development opportunities county-wide. With a growing tourism sector, our location at the gateway to Europe with fast links to and from London – as well as the stunning coast and countryside that visitors can experience, this is a great time to invest in Kent and Medway.”