Kent and Calais launch Cross-Channel tourism alliance in final phase of UNESCO bid with support from British Embassy

Kent and French tourism leaders unite to develop sustainable visitor experiences ahead of 2027 UNESCO Global Geopark decision. 

The Cross-Channel Geopark has launched a new Sustainable Tourism Group, bringing together tourism businesses and destination partners from Kent and Pas de Calais to strengthen responsible visitor economies on both sides of the Channel.  

Supported by the British Embassy in Paris and delivered by Kent Downs National Landscape, Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale, and Geopark partners, the initiative supports the Geopark’s application ahead of a UNESCO assessors’ visit in summer 2026, with a final decision expected in spring 2027. 

The Sustainable Tourism Group marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to shape how tourism develops across the Geopark. It provides a platform for businesses to connect, exchange ideas, and co-create a practical sustainable tourism strategy. Focus areas include responsible travel, visitor behaviour, slow tourism, and supporting local economies — ensuring geological and cultural heritage remains protected while accessible. 

A cross-border conference will take place on 10th March in La Wast, France, bringing together more than 100 tourism businesses, transport providers, and destination partners to explore practical examples of sustainable tourism in action.  

Delegates will visit local Geosites — including working landscapes and heritage attractions — to see how sustainable tourism principles can be embedded in real-world settings. 

Speakers include: 

• Nick Crane: British geographer, explorer and President of the Cross-Channel Geopark, known for making geography accessible to wide audiences through BBC television. 

• John Keefe: Director of Institutional Affairs and Communications at Eurotunnel, a partner organisation of the Cross-Channel Geopark. 

Isabel Shaw, Kent Downs National Landscape, said:

“The Cross-Channel Sustainable Tourism Group and our upcoming conference in Le Wast are a vital part of our journey towards UNESCO Global Geopark status. By bringing together tourism businesses, guides, and local partners from Kent and Pas-de-Calais, we can demonstrate to assessors this is a living, collaborative landscape. Over the coming months, the group will share expertise, explore sustainable tourism approaches, and co-create a practical strategy — the type of hands-on, community-led impact UNESCO looks for. This isn’t just about recognition; it’s about shaping a landscape and visitor experience that supports people and businesses today and into the future.”

Alex Riley, Kent County Council and Visit Kent, said: 

“Tourism is a key driver of Kent’s economy, supporting over 82,000 jobs and contributing over £4.1 billion each year. Given the strategic importance of the cross-channel region as the gateway for visitors from both France and other near European markets, the ambitions of the UNESCO Cross-Channel Geopark forge another powerful link to strengthen this bilateral relationship.

The work of the Cross-Channel Geopark Sustainable Tourism Group will play a crucial role in enabling local businesses to connect with French partners and develop innovative, responsible tourism experiences. Initiatives like this expand opportunities for visitors and local enterprises alike, ensuring Kent remains a leading destination for sustainable and experiential travel.” 

UNESCO journey: 

• Application submitted: November 2025 

• Assessor visit: Summer 2026 

• Decision: Spring 2027 

 Why it matters: Demonstrates cross-border collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable tourism impact 

Get involved: 

Tourism businesses unable to attend the conference can still join the Sustainable Tourism Group and contribute to the emerging strategy by emailing mail@kentdowns.org.uk. 

The conversation continues at the Cross-Channel Geopark: Sustainable Tourism Webinar on Wednesday 25th March, 2pm to 3.30pm.  

This interactive session will explore the Geopark in more depth and outline practical ways businesses can engage with sustainable tourism principles as the strategy develops. 

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