The University of Kent boosts overseas tourism to Canterbury
July 2010
The University of Kent in Canterbury, which recently won Group Travel Organiser's ‘Best University Accommodation for Groups' award for the third consecutive year, is reporting record overseas visitor numbers this summer.
Kevin Stuckey, Residences and Conferences Manager comments, "Our figures are showing an overall increase of around 12% on last year, which in itself was a record year. German groups are up by 15% and language school business, from a variety of markets, including Italy, Turkey, Serbia, Spain and Russia are up by 7%. We have also seen huge growth in our Bed & Breakfast bookings, most of which are made via our on-line booking system and our established conference trade continues to flourish. Currently, we are averaging occupancy of 2,000 rooms per night".
Sandra Matthews-Marsh, Visit Kent's Chief Executive confirms: "At a time when our national tourist board VisitBritain is predicting inbound figures for 2010 to be on a similar level to last year, it is fantastic to see the University bucking the national trend and reporting such a significant increase in overseas bookings this summer. Our feedback from the German market is that student groups find holidaying in Kent an affordable option thanks to the great value accommodation the University offers. The University is an amazing resource for Canterbury and, with a capacity of 3,750 bedrooms, it can attract major events to Kent including The British Chess Championships from 25 July to 7 August 2010 which will attract 800 people and deliver further economic benefit to the county."
In view of its popularity with the German market the University will be exhibiting with Visit Kent at a German group organisers' exhibition (RDA Cologne) later this month to stimulate further interest in groups visiting Canterbury and Kent.
