Tourism and the visitor economy were affirmed as a priority for Thanet District Council when the Cabinet took the DMP on board on Thursday

The plan is driven by the aim of gaining more benefit for Thanet from its visitors.

Council leader Cllr Clive Hart said the DMP urged Thanet partners to “stimulate the environment to encourage investment in new quality visitor attractions, visitor experiences and places to stay.”

It has been drawn up in consultation with stakeholders for the whole Isle, encouraging partnership working to achieve its goals.

Priorities identified are:

BLOB: Beach management and development

BLOB: Coastal regeneration

BLOB: Telling our stories

Key activities for these have been included in the plan with timescales for delivery, identified partners and stakeholders, milestones, resources and outcomes.

The activities are focused on improving the visitor economy and encouraging investment in Thanet. It builds on current plans and activities and unique features of Thanet so the district stands out from the competition.

New ways of working to achieve the aims will involve partnership between the tourism industry and public section. The council will act as a catalyst, facilitator and partner.

Cabinet member for Tourism, Cllr. Iris Johnston said: “I am delighted with the new Destination Management Plan. Tourism and the visitor economy is a priority for the council, as recognized by our Corporate Plan. The Destination Management Plan and activities will help to facilitate partnership working across sectors to achieve our agreed goals for the future of tourism in Thanet.”

Cllr Hart said: “In 2012 VisitEngland bought out principles for developing Destination Management Plans and Thanet, under its new Labour administration, was the first authority in Kent to use these guidelines to deliver its district plan.

Thanet District Council engaged Blue Sail and Visit Kent to produce a plan as a work stream of the Thanet Regeneration Board and TDC Cabinet Member Cllr Johnston has been overseeing the project at each and every step. The plan sets out the priorities for the next five years to help Thanet achieve its potential as a visitor destination.”