Destination Management Plan 2013
Thanet’s original Destination Management Plan (DMP) was the first of its kind in Kent.
It was developed over nine months in 2013 with contributions from over 60 public and private sector stakeholders. Informed by visitor and resident/worker surveys, the plan aimed to support regeneration and economic development by attracting more visitors, encouraging longer stays, and increasing spend in Thanet. It led to the identification of a new market segment and the creation of a “Shared Story” for the destination.
Here’s what we set out to achieve for Thanet:
- Enhance quality experiences and attract higher-spending short-break visitors.
- Strongly promote the three coastal towns (Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate) collectively.
- Invest in the experience of its beaches, their development and management
- Prioritise investment in new, quality, character accommodation to grow the short-break market, achieve longer stays and higher spend
- Make more of its location and key assets, taking advantage of being close to London and easily reached by highspeed train.
- Stimulate investment in new quality visitor attractions, experiences, and places to stay.
The plan's five-year focus was on three headline priorities:
Beach management and development
Implementing a prioritised beach-by-beach improvement programme and developing community/industry-managed beaches with commercial ideas to enhance quality, protect the environment and deliver new distinctive experiences.
Coastal regeneration
Pushing for tourism-led renewal in underused or derelict coastal buildings, particularly targeting investment for distinctive, high-quality character accommodation.
Telling our stories
Using the Shared Story for joined-up marketing, information and interpretation, while providing skills development and support to small businesses. The emphasis on business engagement, support fo the DMP and delivering a consistent quality product.
Success was measured by indicators such as the profile of Thanet as a visitor destination, jobs created, growth in the volume and value of tourism, bed spaces/room occupancy, community pride, stronger partnerships, and greater visitor satisfaction.
Achievements included setting up a Consultative Group, conducting 16 beach audits, the development of a Beach Management Plan, establishing a Beach Business Group, refurbishing showers, new dog wardens, extending litter patrols, conducting an accommodation audit, and developing a business website and a series of industry training workshops.
