Visit Kent has revealed the final results from a comprehensive two year study that explores the supply and demand for new hotel accommodation across the county.
The study, carried out by Canterbury Christ Church University, identifies the current gaps in Kent’s hotel provision and opportunities for future growth. Detailed insights from the research will be available to delegates at the 2020 Annual Hotel Conference which is taking place virtually on 8 and 9 October but topline findings reveal that:
- There are currently no five star rated hotels in Kent
- Only 30 properties in the county have over 100 bedrooms resulting in limited provision to hold large scale meetings, events and conferences
- Canterbury is the lead destination for business and holiday bed nights per year in the county and Thanet is an area of high and growing demand, but there is a limited supply of 3 and 4 star accommodation, venue space and provision for groups in both districts
- Folkestone and Hythe has limited 4 star accommodation provision despite being second in the county for holiday demand
- Airbnb has seen rapid growth during 2016 - 2019 increasing by 255% in Sevenoaks and 604% in Folkestone and Hythe
- There are six ‘key drivers’ shaping Kent’s visitor economy: transport connectivity; location; visitor offer; local public sector policy and infrastructure projects
