TOURIST promotion in Kent is to be united in a single powerful agency.

The decision to close the county’s office of Tourism South East (TSE) with the loss of up to 30 jobs is part of a plan that will see the opening of six new sub-regional offices.

The closure of the office in Tunbridge Wells follows the merger of the Southern and South East Tourist Boards.

A new Kent office will link tourist promotion staff from Kent County Council, Kent Tourism Alliance - now based in Canterbury - and Kent-based TSE staff who stay on after the closure.

Robert Collier, TSE chief executive, said the new structure was designed to co-ordinate the work and avoid duplication.

Research had shown that Kent and Garden of England brands were strong and organising resources across the key agencies would put more weight behind them.

Working closely with attractions and tourism, businesses would raise the profile of the county and its "tourism assets," Mr Collier said.

No date has been fixed for the shake-up, and suitable offices are being sought.