Leisure, sport and tourism make a large economic contribution, both nationally and within Kent.

• Kent has a thriving leisure industry, which benefits from the county’s tourist appeal: known as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent offers tourists the perfect mix of coastline, history, and entertainment.
• Kent Sport is playing a key role in co-ordinating the county’s preparations for the 2010 Olympics.
• Visit Kent promotes the county as a tourist destination to the general public, with key attractions including Dover Castle , Canterbury Cathedral, Howletts and Port Lympne Zoos , and the Chatham Maritime Museum to name a few.
• Visit Kent Business provide support to the tourist industry in Kent, offering advice and support, training, research. They also offer the ‘Business Barometer’ – a monthly analysis of the tourist trade in Kent.
• The Kent Sustainable Tourist Network and Kent Downs provide a resource hub to local businesses to help them develop sustainable practices.

Graduates hoping to enter the leisure, sport or tourist industries can follow a varied career path, depending on the nature of the business they enter – for example, graduates might take on supervisory or management roles within a leisure centre or sports complex; work in marketing or promotions for local attractions; or work within the relevant planning departments of the district or county council, organising tourist events and festivals.
Degrees in Leisure, Travel or Tourism can be an advantage in entering the sector, and in particular roles, such as marketing or sports-related professions, having a relevant degree can be essential. However, for many roles employers are looking for key skills and personal attributes:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – with lots of patience!
• Flexibility to work where demand is highest and to meet peak periods
• Organisational and management skills
• Ability to work well within a team
• Relevant work experience can be invaluable in showing your dedication to the industry.