June’s Tourism Matters: Summer VAT savings, accessibility training, and local business updates

We hope everyone had a good half term.

As we head towards a bustling summer season (fingers crossed), in this issue we bring you details of the government’s Summer Saving scheme cutting VAT to 5%, a reminder of our FREE Accessibility Ambassador Training and details of a new series of events aimed at Thanet small businesses with entrepreneurs and experts.

Summer 2026 VAT cut – What it means for business

As you may know, the UK Government has announced its Great British Summer Savings scheme, reducing VAT from 20% to 5% on a range of family-friendly activities. The scheme runs between Thursday 25 June and Tuesday 1 September 2026, and is designed to boost footfall at visitor attractions, family leisure venues and hospitality businesses. 

The scheme covers:

• Children’s meals in restaurants 
• Children’s and family tickets to cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows and concerts
• Admission for adults and children to attractions including museums, heritage sites, nature reserves, soft play centres and indoor bounce parks
• Free local bus travel in England for children aged 5–15, throughout August

Please let us know if your attraction prices are changing, and we will update our website. Email visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk with the details.

For full details please head to the government website

New Accessibility Ambassador Training Now Live

Have you and your team completed our brand-new Accessibility Ambassador Training? Launched last month, the programme is designed to help make the Isle of Thanet a truly inclusive destination for everyone.

The one-hour online training is completely flexible and provides a practical introduction to accessibility and inclusivity. The course is free, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and you can complete it in short bursts to suit your schedule.

Everyone that completes the course receives a certificate and badge to proudly show their commitment to accessible tourism. We encourage everyone to complete this alongside the existing Visitor Ambassador training to ensure we are giving the warmest possible welcome to everyone. You can start your training today at thanetvisitorambassador.co.uk 

Once you have finished, please email the Visitor Services team to claim your Accessibility Ambassador badge visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk 

Heritage Open Days Event Directory Open 

This year’s Heritage Open Days (HOD) festival runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September with the theme ‘Everyday Histories – exploring stories of working lives, from learning a craft to establishing routines and cherished rituals’.

This is a great opportunity to promote your attraction to local residents, as well as new and returning visitors. Entry to all participating events and openings must be free of charge during this festival.

Check which local venues have signed up to the national Event Directory at www.heritageopendays.org.uk. We will have a dedicated page on www.visitthanet.co.uk

Local Heritage Open Days colleagues are coordinating a Thanet-wide marketing leaflet. If you are taking part and would like to be featured in the leaflet, please sign up by the end of June. If your business isn’t already listed but you would like to find out more, contact Francesca on francesca.sayer-doyle@thanet.gov.uk

Visitor Information Services Opening Hours

The Thanet Visitor Information Centres and kiosks are open throughout June and July for local advice or information: 

• Margate (Droit House): Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm (June) and daily in July
• Broadstairs (Promenade Kiosk): Open daily, 10am to 4pm (weather permitting)
• Ramsgate (The Custom House): Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm

UK Town of Culture 2028 Update 
We have been told that the list of towns shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture in 2028, will be announced by the end of July. An expression of interest has been submitted for Margate. Read more about it in the newsroom

Teenage Market
The Teenage Market is coming back to Broadstairs! It’s a fantastic chance for our young people to showcase their talents, so why not pop down and show your support? It’s at the Pavilion, Harbour Street in Broadstairs, between 10 and 4pm on Sunday 14 June.

RNLI Lifeguards return to Thanet beaches
The RNLI lifeguards are back on our main bathing beaches for the summer season! They’re stationed at key locations across Thanet from Saturday 23 May until early September. Days and times vary by beach, and you can read more on their website.

New Monthly Events for Thanet Start-Ups and Small Businesses
Seaside CEO is a brand new monthly event series designed to connect local small businesses and start ups with established entrepreneurs and industry experts. Founded by Emma Jones, the UK Government’s Small Business Commissioner, the sessions take place on the last Thursday of every month with tickets just £5 per event.

Upcoming events at the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate from 5pm to 7pm:

• Thursday 25 June: How to build a successful creative business. Gain insights from Ian Millner (co-founder of global creative agency Iris), Andrea Flamini (from the distinctive jewellery brand Loel), and renowned placemaker Ian Whybrow. Details and booking
• Thursday 29 October: An Evening with Richard Sutcliffe. Hear the inspiring story of the founder of Passenger, an outdoor apparel brand that grew from a small production run of beanies and t-shirts into a business with an annual revenue exceeding £100 million. Details and booking

Kent Press and Broadcast Awards
A massive congratulations to our homegrown media champions who have made the shortlist for the Kent Press and Broadcast Awards 2026

• Kent News Website of the Year – Isle of Thanet News
• Kent Magazine of the Year – Brightside Publishing (Margate Mercury, Broadstairs Beacon and Ramsgate Recorder)

The winners will be announced on Friday 3 July, so we wish everyone the best of luck

REWD Padel Club Now Open 
Thanet’s very first padel club, REWD, opened its doors at Westwood Cross on Monday 1 June, bringing world-class courts, modern facilities, and a vibrant social atmosphere.

If you are unfamiliar with the sport, padel is a fast-paced, highly accessible fusion of tennis and squash played on an enclosed court. The club is designed to offer social matches and professional coaching to recovery sessions, community events, and coffee. Find out more at www.rewdpadel.co.uk