A new website and high-profile campaign to boost tourism in Gravesham has been launched today (9 September).
The new website, www.visitgravesham.co.uk highlights attractions across the borough, from walks along the River Thames taking in Gravesend’s maritime history, to the Gurdwara and out to the Kent Downs, home to hideaways such as the lost village of Dode.
It will be supported by a marketing campaign aimed at attracting visitors from London, the rest of Kent, and the greater south east region and which will feature Gravesham’s historic riverside towns, idyllic villages and outstanding countryside.
The focus will also be on events and experiences for creative days out, historic figures and tales of the past. From tours of the home of Charles Dickens at Gad’s Place, to sprawling vineyards and riverside walks, the campaign aims to promote the borough’s diverse visitor offer.
The campaign follows the recent opening of Hatch at Gravesend Borough Market, which is attracting thousands of new visitors to its street food stalls, cocktail bar and Bierkeller. As a key part of Gravesend’s emerging twilight economy, Hatch adds to a thriving micro-pub scene and a number of well-established local venues that regularly host live music and events.
Next month will see Hatch host the first ever Gravesend Oktoberfest. Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October will see the market transformed into a German beer hall will a live Oompah band, dancing on the tables and lots of Lederhosen.
Other events taking place in the coming weeks include this weekend’s Franklin Festival, with two days of sea shanties, nautical tales and free family fun alongside the River Thames at St Andrew’s Gardens in Gravesend.
And later this year UK garage superstars Artful Dodger will be taking to the stage for the 2024 Christmas lights switch on.
Launching the site and new campaign, Cllr John Burden, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said: “We are looking to spread the message far and wide that Gravesham is a great place to visit.
“It’s so easy to get here from London, the rest of Kent and further afield, and we have attractions for everyone, whether our visitors are into historic sites and stories, great countryside or fantastic food and drink.
“Tourism has an important role to play in our local economy, with the most recent figures showing it contributes £70 million.
“We know there is huge potential to increase that over the coming years, and our new campaign is just the start of making that happen.”
With UK Government funding supporting the campaign, Gravesham’s attractions will be promoted outside of the borough, including advertising on Southeastern’s HS1 services from 9 September for two weeks.
Local attractions and businesses are also being invited to submit their details for inclusion on the new website by emailing them to visits.gravesend@gravesham.gov.uk
Cllr Burden added: “We really should be proud of Gravesham’s position as the gateway to Kent, which is why we are shouting long and loud about everything we have to offer.
“I would encourage any local business looking to attract visitors to get in touch with our team as we look forward to welcoming many more over the months and years ahead.”