Summit sets way ahead 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 was the message behind the Canterbury Hotel Summit designed to bring more investment to the district and boost jobs. Hosted by Canterbury City Council, the event was 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 held at Canterbury Christ Church University, sought ways to:

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

The Canterbury Hotel Summit brought 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) also joined to explore what needs to be done to further grow the district’s visitor economy through hotel investment.

Cllr Chris Cornell, the city council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Inclusion, said: “This summit was 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.

“This summer we will start developing a new strategy for Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, as part of our Local Plan process, that will ensure there is a robust platform for new hotels as part of future regeneration schemes in our city and towns. This will be completed next year.

“We know there is continuing interest in the district from hotel operators. That coupled with existing gaps in provision, such as the larger conference market and a strong tourism and leisure offer, gives us confidence that we can build a strong case to present to hotel investors and a create a pipeline of hotel projects for the future.”

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.

“In the short-term investors will be attracted to projects that expand or improve on existing sites, adding leisure or other uses, for example. There’s also the potential to make use of underused offices and other commercial space.  What was great about this event was the chance to bring stakeholders together face to face to have this conversation and to consider what else could be done.”

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.