Summit set to attract new hotels, boost the economy and create jobs in Canterbury

The district of Canterbury is the place to invest in new hotels.

That’s the message behind the Canterbury Hotel Summit being held next week (Friday, 9 May) and designed to bring more investment to the district and boost jobs. Hosted by Canterbury City Council, the event is being paid for by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is part of an ongoing collaboration with Locate in Kent, the county’s inward investment agency.  The summit is being held at Canterbury Christ Church University, and will seek to:

• Attract new hotel development
• Build a strong project pipeline
• Identify and overcome investment barriers
• Support job creation and regeneration

Cllr Chris Cornell, the city council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Inclusion, said: “This summit is a unique opportunity to set the groundwork for Canterbury’s future in hospitality.  With the Choose Canterbury initiative, we’re committed to fostering an environment that attracts quality hotel investments, supporting both our local economy and our growing visitor base. By collaborating with partners across the public and private sectors, we can drive meaningful change and sustainable growth.”

Charles Hutchings-Lawrence, Business Development Manager, Locate in Kent, said: “Locate in Kent is excited to work alongside Canterbury City Council to attract and support hotel investors looking to expand in Kent. Canterbury’s combination of cultural appeal, academic excellence, and strategic location makes it a prime destination for

the hotel industry. We look forward to collaborating on a long-term strategy that positions Canterbury as a key player in the hospitality sector.”

The Canterbury Hotel Summit will bring together organisations key to driving future hotel investment in the district, including universities, local business leaders in hospitality and tourism, and strategic-site developers. Core partners including Visit Canterbury, Visit Kent and the award-winning Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) will also join to explore what needs to be done to further grow the district’s visitor economy through hotel investment.

Canterbury district, which includes the historic city of Canterbury and the vibrant coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay and a host of picture postcard villages, is one of the most visited areas of Kent welcoming over 7.2 million visitors annually.  Tourism accounts for 16% of total jobs and generates £392 million in visitor spend annually.  With its rich heritage, vibrant arts and cultural scene – including year-round events and festivals –plus stunning coastline, it’s no surprise that investors are choosing Canterbury.

Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage status and strong visitor numbers – for both the leisure and business markets – continue to drive demand.  Several new hotels have opening or are in development across the Canterbury district. Recent arrivals include Hampton-by Hilton with several other hotel projects in the pipeline, including both boutique and branded hotels.