Sustainable Tourism Action Plan

The priority themes of community, nature and climate, form the strategic back bone - the corner posts - of Visit Kent’s Sustainable Tourism Action Plan.

When these life support systems thrive, local tourism and visitors benefit. However, the relationship is two-way. The tourism industry has a significant impact on communities, nature and climate and we have to manage it responsibly. We have a duty to manage it responsibly and protect the beautiful Kent landscape.

Society, governments and businesses must move rapidly now towards a Net Zero and nature positive future. Our Sustainable Tourism Action Plan lays out 16 key action areas – with a roadmap from now until 2030. Our plan aims to help protect and enhance community, climate and nature for the long term value - not only of the local tourism industry - but also of the planet.

What is sustainable tourism?

Tourism has the power to create positive impacts. It also has the potential to impact negatively if not managed thoughtfully and purposefully. Sustainable or responsible tourism is about planning tourism with purpose; so that it does more good and a lot less harm. Ultimately, this approach to tourism makes for a more enjoyable experience for visitors too.
What is Visit Kent’s sustainable tourism action plan?

The Kent Sustainable Tourism Action Plan is centred on three priority themes of community, nature and climate, which form the strategic back bone of the framework. This aims to bring together businesses, the community and visitors, through a series of detailed actions, tracked through an ongoing monitoring programme. The action plan aims to provide a framework for the wider sector to use as a roadmap to help play our collective part in tackling and responding to the climate crisis and recovery.
Who is the sustainable action plan intended for?

This plan is for Visit Kent and any business or organisation in Kent, involved in tourism: local authorities, hotels, B&Bs, Airbnbs, tour and activity operators, transport providers, tour guides, holiday parks, campsites, attractions, experiences, food and drink outlets / producers such as (pubs, cafes, restaurants, farms) and retailers.
How can I access Visit Kent's Annual Sustainability Report

Access the report here and find out how we and other businesses have pushed Kent's sustainability journey since the launch of our tourism action plan last year.
Why should I take action?

More and more visitors, as well as local residents, are choosing travel businesses and destinations that are able to offer lower carbon, nature friendly experiences and will actively choose those businesses that are consciously more ‘purpose-led’ in their approach.

Whether it is saving energy or making better use of food waste, designing your business operations in a more sustainable way has the potential to save money too. How a company treats people, and the planet matters more to potential employees and visitors than ever before. Upholding our responsibilities to communities, nature and climate is ultimately not only essential for our future, but it also makes good business sense too.
How can I read the full action plan?

Download the plan here and find out how you and your business can play your part in positively impacting community, climate and nature.
How will you measure this?

Progress against the detailed actions in the plan will be tracked through an ongoing monitoring programme using seven different data sources to capture 16 different social, environmental and economic impact indicators. This will be published in annual impact report to track and report progress, as part of Visit Kent’s annual review.
Who will you be working with on this activity with?

Key sustainability leaders from the Kent tourism industry, public sector and nature conservation organisations will ensure close collaboration on delivering on the Sustainable Tourism Action Plan through the Act for Impact Tourism Working Group.

What next?

Find inspiration by having a look through our Annual Sustainability Report which features key initiatives and businesses that have pushed the sustainability agenda in Kent.
As you read the action plan, try and identify the actions you can commit to in your business.
The Sustainable Tourism Action Plan will be delivered in collaboration with the Act for Impact Tourism Working Group
Make a list of the actions relevant to you and the steps you’re going to take. Set your own targets.
Use our Impact Resources to help you on your sustainability journey.
Be inspired by our Impact Heroes: businesses like yours who have taken action on sustainability.
Use our Consumer Messaging guidance document to guide your consumer-facing messaging on the subject of sustainable tourism in Kent.

If you have questions or stories that you think might help or inspire other tourism businesses working to be more sustainable, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with enquiries@visitkent.co.uk or you can sign up to be an Impact Hero here.