Sarah Sturt was one of just six individuals this year singled out for an award to acknowledge her outstanding contribution to the Kent tourism industry.

Kent Life editor wins tourism award

Sarah Sturt was one of just six individuals this year singled out for an award to acknowledge her outstanding contribution to the Kent tourism industry.

Visit Kent Chairman, Amanda Cottrell, hosted her fourth annual garden party for tourism partners at her home in Challock. The garden party is one of Visit Kent’s key networking occasions and a highlight of the summer tourism industry calendar in the county and more than 100 guests enjoyed the chance to catch up with colleagues, make new acquaintances and enjoy some great Kentish refreshments in quintessential Garden of England surroundings.

In her speech Amanda focused on people and funds and the importance of partnership working, “At a time when the economic climate is uncertain and life is full of uncertainties …there is one certainty. That whilst there is breath in our body Visit Kent will work to support you and your businesses by bringing more visitors to Kent, by raising funds to do our work, making the most of all opportunities in the year ahead and most importantly by harnessing the power of our partnership to benefit us all.

“It is our partnership which makes us stand out and I hope that whatever the coming year brings we can firmly say that Visit Kent is here to stay and will work alongside you to help Kent prosper.”

For the second year, ‘people power’ was recognised when Amanda handed out her own awards to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Kent tourism industry.

Surprised recipients included: Sarah Sturt, Kent Life magazine; Julian Barnes, Biddenden Vineyards; John Meardon, Canterbury Cathedral; Dominic di Cara, Ramada Maidstone; Barbara Thomas, Southeastern; Andrew Gostelow, Tourism South East; Julie Adams, P&O Ferries; Gravesham Tourism Team, Gravesham Council; Duncan Leslie, Hever Castle; and the Marketing Team, English Heritage.