English Tourism Week 13-22 March
This annual celebration of the tourism industry forms part of VisitEngland’s commitment to champion the sector and demonstrate the vital importance of tourism to the country and local communities.
English Tourism Week aims to:
- highlight the huge contribution English tourism makes to the UK economy
- kickstart the spring/summer season giving you a marketing hook to engage with customers and encourage bookings
- give you an opportunity to bring attention to tourism’s contribution to your area
- increase awareness of the quality and variety of the English tourism offer, and encourage domestic travel.
A toolkit is available on the Visit Britain website for you to get involved with English Tourism Week and use across your social and web channels.
Are you ready for Chinese New Year?
This year is the Year of the Horse, and the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival is expected to lead to more overseas travel from China due to the holiday being nine days long (15-23 February). Family travel is particularly likely.
The UK is one of the top 10 most searched destinations for the 2026 Spring Festival on AirBnb and, as we receive significant numbers of Chinese visitors here to see the White Cliffs each year, it is a great opportunity for local businesses to target this market. You could consider providing information in Mandarin or buying in appropriate stock. For example, the colour red symbolizes good fortune, happiness and vitality in Chinese culture, so gift shops could stock items such as red scarves or socks, and so on.
Tourism Networking Event
‘Save the date’ for the next Tourism Networking event due to be held at Solton Manor on Monday 9 March 2026, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Look out for further details coming soon.
Business rates impact poll
The Tourism Alliance is collecting quick evidence to support representations to Government on business rates changes from April 2026. Please complete this very short survey of four simple questions that should take no more than a couple of minutes to complete.
Tourism Alliance | Business Rates Impact Poll – Fill in form
Kent and Medway Growth Hub
Free Workshop – Storytelling Through Photography
An inspiring workshop designed for aspiring and emerging photographers who want to transform their passion into a thriving profession. With guides on capturing impactful images plus insider tips and tricks, book a space on this free workshop taking place on Tuesday 20 January.
For more details and to book a space visit Eventbrite website.
Start your own business course
An interactive free 2-Day Start-Up Business course perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners – ideal if you’re just starting out or have recently launched a business in Kent. This online course is being held from 18-19 February, 10am – 3pm. Spaces are limited – book via Eventbrite website.
North Downs Way
Image © Kent Downs
Businesses that are on or within 5km of the North Downs Way National Trail can be listed for free on the North Downs Way website. Visit the website for more information and to add your details if your business meets the criteria
Four Nations International Fund Supports Creative Collaboration
Grants are available to support creative sector organisations and individuals across the four nations of the United Kingdom to develop international partnerships and co-creation projects. The support is provided through an initiative co-invested by Creative Scotland, Arts Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International and is open to a wide range of art forms, including literature, music, theatre, dance, visual arts, craft and creative learning.
Applications are open to creative sector organisations and individuals based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, who must have at least one partner from another UK nation and at least one international partner. Preference is given to applicants without regular funding status from national arts council portfolio schemes.
Funding can be used to develop artistic practice, build early international relationships and support exchanges between creative practitioners and organisations.
Deadline for applications is 2pm on 25 February 2026.
Four Nations International Fund | Creative Scotland
Domestic sentiment tracker
VisitEngland has commissioned a tracking survey to understand domestic intent to take short breaks and holidays both within the UK and abroad. Download the December 2025 report.
White Cliffs Country website
If you are a food and drink business, accommodation provider* or a visitor attraction or experience, and not already listed on our website, we would love to include you. It is completely free; you just need to complete the appropriate online form.
* Please note accommodation providers must have valid accreditation i.e. AA or Visit England grading or are signed up to the White Cliffs Country Accommodation Charter.
If you are already listed on the website, please check your details are up to date and let us know of any changes – email VIC@dover.gov.uk or phone 01304 201066. Thank you.
Have you visited the Business Hub yet? There’s a section dedicated to Local tourism businesses where you will find a wealth of helpful information including tips on promoting your business and working with the travel trade.
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