Gravesend launches campaign to attract tourists to Kent

Gravesham Borough Council has initiated a national campaign aimed at boosting tourism in Gravesend, Kent. The initiative, named Visit Gravesham, seeks to promote the town's rich maritime history, its connections to Charles Dickens, and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. The campaign is strategically targeting potential visitors from London and other areas in Kent, leveraging the town's excellent transport links to attract more tourists. The new promotional website showcases various attractions, including the Crossfire Trail, which features military equipment used historically to defend against invasions via the Thames Estuary. Additionally, it highlights significant local sites such as Dickens' residence at Gads Hill and the grave of Pocahontas located in St George's church. The campaign also emphasizes the district's country parks, like Shorne Woods and Jeskyns Community Woodland, as well as its local vineyards and microbreweries. Council leader John Burden expressed pride in Gravesham's identity as the 'gateway to Kent' and emphasized the importance of tourism for the local economy. Recent statistics indicate that tourism contributes approximately £70 million to the local economy, and there is a strong belief that this figure can be increased in the coming years. The launch of this campaign marks the beginning of a concerted effort to enhance Gravesend's visibility as a tourist destination, with hopes of significantly increasing visitor numbers and boosting economic growth in the region.