Tourism boost welcomed for Dover District

Tourism is worth almost £250m to the economy in Dover District and supports more than 4,500 jobs - according to latest research into the district's visitor economy.

The study on the Economic Impact of Tourism in 2011, by Tourism South East for Dover District Council and Visit Kent, also shows that there were 3,880,000 visitors to Dover District over the year.

Research shows that the total economic impact of tourism in the district in 2011 was £243,590,000, up 16% on 2009, and the number of jobs supported by tourism went up to 4,559, an increase of 3%. The research uses the industry-standard 'Cambridge Model', and was undertaken as part of the European Interreg Two Seas SusTRIP research programme.

Cllr Kit Smith, DDC Cabinet Member for Skills, Training and External Relations said: "Tourism plays an important part in the local economy and these results are good news for the area. Dover District remains a great place to visit and has a range of incredible attractions, and it is very encouraging to see that the value of tourism activity continues to rise. It is a real tribute to our tourism and visitor businesses that they continue to meet the challenges of the market place in the current economic climate, and we look forward to seeing ongoing success, as we continue to move forward for the future."

Further information on White Cliffs Country, and the Economic Impact report, can be found at www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk.