Welcome to Europe's Gateway - Hospitality and Tourism Showcase
Everyone involved in welcoming visitors to the Dover district is invited to attend a free tourism showcase event this November, designed to help businesses and organisations make the most of growing tourism opportunities in one of the UK's most important visitor gateways.
The Hospitality and Tourism Showcase is open to everyone involved in welcoming visitors to the district, including accommodation providers, attraction and heritage staff, volunteers, transport operators, hospitality businesses and tourism organisations.
Welcome to Europe's Gateway will take place at the Maison Dieu on Monday 16 November from 10am to 3pm and will be repeated on Wednesday 18 November from 5pm to 9pm, giving attendees the opportunity to hear from tourism experts, discover the latest visitor trends and network with others working across the sector.
The programme will feature speakers from Tourism South East, Visit Kent, the Port of Dover, White Cliffs Country, Dover District Council and the Maison Dieu team.
Keynote speaker, Fran Downton, Chief Executive of Tourism South East, will share her thoughts on current and future trends in tourism, with a particular focus on White Cliffs Country. She said: “I am delighted to be part of such an important event, celebrating Dover’s tourism offer, highlighting opportunities and supporting the businesses that make our visitor economy thrive. As Europe’s Gateway and home to the iconic White Cliffs, Dover has a vital role to play in the visitor economy. This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring the tourism community together, strengthen collaboration and create joined-up, memorable visitor experiences that benefit everyone.”
Additional speakers include Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at Port of Dover, Alanna Kite, Visit Kent's Strategic Visitor Economy Partnership Manager. Lucy Blincow, Visitor Services Supervisor at Dover District Council, and Martin Crowther, Maison Dieu Engagement Officer.
The event will include useful data on who visits the district and where they’re from, the type of experiences visitors are looking for, and how businesses and organisations can best support their needs. It will also highlight the support available to both visitors and tourism providers, including the important role of Dover’s Visitor Information Centre, as well as advice on how to successfully market a tourism business and enhance its online presence.
The range of visitor experiences available across White Cliffs Country will be in the spotlight, from coastal adventures beneath the White Cliffs to guided tours of Dover's Victorian Gaol. Local tourism providers with new attractions, activities or visitor experiences will have the opportunity to showcase their offer too.
Following a complimentary buffet lunch and networking session, participants attending the daytime event will also have the option to take part in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Maison Dieu and nearby heritage sites.
Cllr Lynne Wright, DDC’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Assets said: "As Europe's gateway, Dover welcomes millions of visitors each year and every one of us has a role to play in creating memorable experiences for them. This showcase brings together the people and organisations that make our visitor economy so special, providing valuable insights, practical advice and opportunities to build new connections.
"With exciting developments across White Cliffs Country and the newly restored Maison Dieu at the heart of the event, this is an excellent opportunity to celebrate everything our district has to offer and prepare for the future."
The event has been organised with the support of the Maison Dieu, Tourism South East, White Cliffs Country and the Port of Dover.
Places are free but must be booked in advance, with attendees able to choose either a daytime or evening session. Please book at Welcome to Europe’s Gateway | UK Networking Reviews | DesignMyNight
Notes to editors
In addition to the showcase, free accredited Tourism Training courses will be available to tourism partners across the Dover district between 23 November and 4 December. Delivered by Tourism South East, these nationally accredited courses, Welcome Host Gold and Welcoming all Customers, are designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to provide excellent customer service and create welcoming experiences for all visitors, including people with disabilities. For further information about the training opportunities, please contact kathryn.tuck@dover.gov.uk
Welcome to Europe's Gateway forms part of the Reawakening the Maison Dieu activity plan, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The £10.5 million restoration of the Grade I listed Maison Dieu has revitalised one of Kent's most important historic buildings, including the conservation of internationally significant decorative schemes by Victorian architect William Burges, the creation of a new street-level entrance to the Connaught Hall, and improved accessibility throughout the building.
For more information about the Maison Dieu and its programme of events, visit www.maisondieudover.org.uk
Posted on 10 November 2026