Tourists adding more millions to city’s economy

More than 9,000 jobs supported by visitors ‘Everybody involved in the tourism industry in the city should feel very proud’

Visitors to Canterbury have helped boost the value of tourism to more than £450 million a year, new figures reveal.

A staggering 7.2 million people descended on the city in 2015, pumping money into the economy and making it the most popular tourist destination in Kent.

The figures emerged in an independent study commissioned by Visit Kent.

Cllr Ben Fitter-harding, chairman of the city council’s regeneration and property committee, says they make for “incredible reading”.

“It shows just how vital tourism is to Canterbury,” he said.

“But the fact the city is so popular should not come as a surprise – we have fantastic attractions, beautiful parks and gardens and a great range of shops, especially in the independent sector. Whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying for a while, or visiting from abroad or within the United Kingdom, Canterbury’s got everything you need.”

The study, released this week, shows half-a-million visitors enjoyed overnight stays in the city in 2015, while the number of overseas tourists went up 6%.

It also reveals the number of jobs in Canterbury supported by tourism rose 6% to 9,378.

Cllr Fitter-harding said: “Everybody involved in the tourism industry in the city should feel very proud that their efforts have contributed to the stellar economic figures.”

The countywide figures also make for impressive reading.

Last year, Kent welcomed more than 60.6 million visitors and the industry’s value rose 5% from 2013. The county remains the third most visited destination outside London for foreign visitors, and tourism jobs rose by almost 6% to 71,920.

Chief executive of Visit Kent, Sandra Matthews-marsh, said: “Kent’s reputation as a great short break destination continues to thrive. It is wonderful to see districts like Canterbury experience such impressive growth.”

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Picture: Tony Flashman FM4035602 Canterbury was visited by 7.2 million tourists last year