Credit crunch is good new for tourism industry
The credit crunch could mean big money for Kent's tourism industry as holidaymakers begin to shun foreign destinations.
Visitor information centres and attractions across the county recorded an increase in footfall in June compared to the same time last year, and in most cases between 60 per cent and 90 per cent were domestic visitors.
The statistics were released this week by Visit Kent, a not-for-profit group dedicated to promoting the county to non-residents.
Chief executive Sandra Matthews-Marsh said the increase in visitors this year was in part "undoubtedly" due to the credit crunch.
She said: "People are definitely showing a tendency to holiday at home this year and it's mostly down to the current economic climate.
"The everyday cost of living is higher, mortgages are higher and fuel and food prices are going up.
"People are paying out a lot more just to live their normal lives, and coupled with the fear of a recession they're becoming a little more cautious with their money.
"The top European destinations to visit are Spain, France, Germany, Holland and Italy, and they're all one-third to one-half more expensive than they have been in the past.
"Cheap weekends are not so much the case any more. Flights are more expensive and when you actually get there, the meals and accommodation are dearer too."
Thirteen of 21 visitor information centres sent questionnaires by Visit Kent returned them, and of those seven reported a rise in footfall.
Five reported a fall and one was unable to obtain the information.
An additional 5,875 people visited the centres in total compared to June 2007.
Forty-one attractions also returned the questionnaire, with 28 recording an increase in visitors.
Due to confidentiality agreements with those quizzed, Visit Kent was unable to provide KOS Media with data for specific towns and attractions.
Mrs Matthews-Marsh said Kent's proximity to Europe and London made it the perfect location to benefit from the crunch.
She added: "We're close to some big population centres and we have a tremendous amount of attractions on offer. We have sandy beaches, historic castles and beautiful areas of countryside all in a small area.
"I don't think we'll ever see a return to the days of British people holidaying primarily at home because now people have experienced foreign travel, they're not going to want to turn the clock back.
"But more and more people are discovering what is available on their own doorstep."
News of the visitor increase comes at a time when a £500,000 advertising campaign launched by Visit Kent in partnership with the railway firm Southeastern draws to a close.
Passengers boarding London buses, the underground and trains at major platforms including Victoria and Charing Cross have been urged to visit the county by a series of posters, and the message seems to have paid off.
However, Mrs Matthews-Marsh said the credit crunch and the advertising campaign was not entirely to thank for the increase.
She explained: "Apart from a couple of thunderstorms, the weather has been pretty good here too."
