A tourism project encouraging visitors to get active outdoors in Ramsgate has boosted town coffers by more than £1 million.

Active Ramsgate, which was set up by the town council and is funded by the authority, has brought in an average of £240,000-a-year.

The scheme promotes walking, cycling, watersports and birdwatching in the town and in the surrounding areas.

It aims to bring in more revenue from people visiting the town and has helped fund various new attractions for tourists in recent years since it was established in 2013.

The group is led by tourism and marketing experts and supported by volunteers.

Analysis from the group reveals an extra 36,000 day visitors have come to Ramsgate due to promotion and activities now on offer.

This adds to a further 18,000 additional overnight stays in the town's hotels, bed and breakfasts and other accommodation.

It is said to have contributed £1.2m to the town's economy in the past five years.

'Active Ramsgate is succeeding and is set over the next two years to grow responsible forms of tourism,' Cheryl Mvula

A visitor survey in 2018 discovered outdoor recreational activities is one of the top reasons for people coming to Ramsgate.

Cheryl Mvula, Active Ramsgate project manager, says the initiative "sought to reposition Ramsgate as a top active destination" and hoped to benefit the town and businesses.

"These latest results show that Active Ramsgate is succeeding in this ambition and is set over the next two years to grow responsible forms of tourism to the town even more," Dr Mvula added.

The town will host the final round of the British Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships on the Main Sands on August 24 and 25.

New projects introduced to the town include four themed walks along the coast, two new sea kayaking trails, three Sky rides and boosting knowledge of the Viking Coastal Trail cycle route.

The group also runs the Active8 programme - a series of outdoor activities to promote Ramsgate and the area with a week-long festival for visitors and residents to try new sports or activities for free.

For more information go to www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate

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