More visitors at tourist attractions

Canterbury's towering cathedral is one of the top attractions in Kent

Visitor numbers have increased at tourist attractions in Kent, according to latest figures.

The Iraq war and the threat of terrorism hit visitor numbers in June, a report by Kent County Council has said.

Consumer confidence had already fallen after the September 11 attacks in New York and the foot and mouth crisis of 2001.

However, businesses rallied in July after the Open Golf Championship in Sandwich - attended by more than 150,000 golf fans - and good weather.

Trade tailed off again in the last two months of the season.

Tourism workforce

Tourism in the county is worth an estimated £1.3bn to the economy.

Councillor Alex King, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Tourism is vital. It supports about 48,000 jobs, nearly a tenth of the county's workforce."

The report found a 2% increase in visitors at Kent tourist attractions and a 4% increase in numbers of people visiting tourist information centres.

The top attractions in Kent were Canterbury Cathedral, the Hop Farm, Dover Castle and Hever Castle.