Lower Carbon Transport

We know that train travel is a more environmentally friendly form of transport. However, it’s not always easy to connect from train stations to the final destination. In light of this ‘final mile’, think about how you can make it as easy as possible for your guests. Consider offering a station pick-up service. Include timings and information about train routes on your website to help visitors switch from car to train.

You might also consider offering other incentives to encourage people to arrive by train. For example, a complimentary breakfast or ‘welcome’ hamper, money off their stay, or a partnership or promotion with a nearby local attraction. Incorporating your initiatives into your marketing and highlighting the need for lower carbon transport choices can help encourage people to make the switch.

As with train travel, providing visitors with clear online information about local bus routes and timings and bus stop locations can help them, even if they are travelling from within the Kent region. Offer incentives and link-up offers with local attractions to reward those that are able to make the switch.

Do you offer bikes or e-bikes to visitors for free or a small charge? Many holidaymakers welcome the opportunity to explore the Kent countryside on two wheels. More active travel has many benefits from a health and well-being perspective too.

If you cannot offer bikes, connect with your nearest bike hire company and see if they may consider offering your guests a special discount, in return for you promoting their business on your website.

You can also encourage more active travel by providing maps and recommending local cycling routes. Signpost visitors to the Kent Connected website – a free journey planner with transport times and route suggestions for walking and cycling. CycleStreets is also a helpful resource for planning cycle routes.

Welcome those guests who wish to bring their own bikes by having a safe, lockable bike shelter.

Once you’ve taken some of the steps above to become a more cycle-friendly business you should consider signing up for the Cycle Friendly Place accreditation scheme which is run by Cycling UK and supported by Visit Kent. You’ll then be officially recognised as cycle friendly, making it even easier to attract cyclists. You’ll also receive free publicity and visibility, which is all great exposure for your business and free cycling equipment.

Encourage your guests to get active and walk as much as possible. Whether it be walking to a local restaurant or heading out for a day’s hike, Kent has so much to offer when explored on foot. Offering up-to-date maps and signposting to relevant websites such as Kent Connected as well as Explore Kent can also help offer inspiration.

The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally important landscape with so much to offer visitors, all year round. From rugged chalk coastlines and white cliffs to ancient woodlands and swathes of grassland, there is something for everyone. Help inspire and make it easier for your guests to experience the Kent Downs for themselves by providing walking maps, links to the Kent Downs’ website and information about what’s happening in the area, via your marketing channels. Check out the #UpTheKentDowns campaign.

Remember, also to help and encourage your staff to use lower carbon travel methods to get to work, as well as to offer remote working options too where possible. Initiatives such as the Bike2Work scheme, carpooling arrangements, and virtual rather than face-to-face meetings can all make a difference.

Sustrans works with employers to reduce workplace travel and has resources and initiatives to help you

Some visitors may be coming from overseas and want to reach you by plane. Aviation is a rapidly growing contributor to global emissions. If viable, you can encourage inbound visitors to travel overland to Kent. However, if they do choose to fly, encourage them to stay for longer so that more of the benefit reaches Kent’s community and nature. Other small steps such as flying economy class and flying direct can also help. Skyscanner has a search tool which allows travellers to search for the greenest flight option.