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Leading travel writer Simon Calder has hailed the "sense of dynamism" in Kent.

Speaking at the Kent 2020 Vision business expo at the County Showground, Detling, he said the arrival of high-speed domestic trains would transform the county's image, adding to the area's other attractions.

"Kent has so much in terms of diversity, scenery, culture, the welcome you get, cuisine, everything is pointing in the right direction," he said.

For decades, Kent had the reputation as a place that people travelled through on the way to somewhere else.

The aim was to get people to stop and once they did, there was so much to inspire and excite them. "Once they are here, they're hooked."

The high-speed services and shorter journey times would "transform mind geography."

"The hi-speed line is going to do a lot to reverse the idea that East Kent is somewhere slightly dark and mysterious and a long way from anywhere."

In the recession, tourism business should add value. For example, they could offer and extra night free of charge.

Kent's "Garden of England" slogan was a great message. "And it's true." The county was still growing plenty of nice things to eat, he said.

His message to tourism businesses was: "Do great things, innovate, come up with ideas, make sure your customers really know you are serious about them. Shout about it. It's very hard work and takes a great deal of courage, imagination and investment. Kent has much to bed proud of and can start telling the world about it."