Tourism is on the increase in Kent in the wake of huge investment, according to the latest research into the industry.

Research by Visit Kent at Kent County Council shows that in 2006 tourism brought in £2.5 billion to the county’s economy – an increase of 13.5 per cent on 2003 – and supported seven per cent of jobs in Kent, an increase of 2.2 per cent.

Fran Warrington, head of Visit Kent at KCC, said: "Tourism is a fragile and highly competitive industry and across the UK it has taken a long time to recover from the Foot and Mouth epidemic.

"But these figures show just how well we have been doing in Kent in maintaining and developing our position as a top UK destination.

"In part, these results are a reflection of the tremendous investment that has been made in our industry since 2003.

"When the research was carried out in 2006 more than £148.5 million was being invested in Kent in tourism-related developments. Major projects ranged from the £90 million second Swale crossing improving access to the seaside resorts and heritage attractions on the Isle of Sheppey to the new £37 million ferry berths and ships serving the Port of Dover."

The figures, the most recent to become available, looked at changes in the industry between 2003 and 2006.

The number of day trippers coming to Kent each year had risen by 2.6 per cent to 39.7 million and their spending while in the county had gone up by 19.7 per cent to £1.3 billion.

There was an increase in overseas visitors staying in the county but a slight decline of just 1.5 per cent of domestic visitors staying overnight.

Kent continued to rank as top destination for domestic travellers with 84 per cent of visitors coming from other parts of the UK and 16 per cent from overseas.

Roger Gough, cabinet member for regeneration and supporting independence at KCC said: "In the short term tourism is affected by numerous factors not least international exchange rates and the weather.

"And there are many other challenges to be faced including the widespread availability of cheaper air flights and the increase in popularity of taking several shorter holidays and city breaks during the year rather than the traditional two-week family holiday.

"However, this study confirms that our tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses are rising to both the short and long term challenges in their marketplace.

"They are using ongoing research like this to develop robust, sustainable attractions and services which are making a major contribution to our economy and creating new jobs."