In light of the current Covid-19 crisis, the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry is having to re-think how to move forward and rebuild business, demand and revenue. Many organisations, both nationally and locally have been forced to re-examine business operations and products, in order to adhere to Government guidelines, social distancing measures and adapt to new trends.
To survive, businesses have needed to adapt existing products to operate both on and off-season, collaborate with others in and out of the sector, and reach out to new audiences to recover and drive business growth.
We’re working with 125 organisations, both traditional tourism businesses and businesses from other sectors from across Kent and Medway to help support develop new experiential tourism products for the off-season. This includes all kinds of businesses from attractions and accommodation providers, to artists, musicians, food producers, photographers and more!
Businesses with a great idea for a new experience, an idea for collaborating with another business or an existing offer which could be adapted for a new audience are being supported to develop this into a new product and take it to market through a package of support
The EXPERIENCE Development Programmes delivered by Visit Kent and the Kent Downs AONB provides expert support for businesses, individuals and organisations to develop new off-season Tourism Experiences.
The Visit Kent programme includes businesses across Kent, with any type of experience idea and already has over 125 businesses enrolled on the programme. The Kent Downs Countryside programme welcomes applications from rural tourism business in the Kent Downs AONB or along the North Downs Way who want to build an experiences based on landscape, wildlife or rural life and culture.
Successful businesses will be provided with a package of support, as set out below.
Download our full applicant guidance document to find a full list of project benefits that businesses on the programme are receiving and eligibility criteria.
Applications have now closed but we're always interested in hearing from businesses interested in creating new visitor products or diversifying into the sector. Contact enquiries@visitkent.co.uk to find out how we can help.
To find out more about the Kent Downs AONB Countryside Experience Development Programme visit their website.
