Kent County

changes: who is now where, what meetings have rescheduled, which have cancelled. I’ve made it a priority to share this information so they can re-bid and also take advantage of few pieces of business that have come through in the last year.”

The entire bureau has been working continuously to support local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses in every way possible. To meet people’s desires to remain outside and in the open, they have promoted outdoor events and experiences across all of their communications and marketing channels. The bureau also has launched a new 360-degree virtual video tour program.

“We were able to negotiate a significant discount for members to participate,” said Bittman. “We are working with hotels now and soon will extend the offer to attractions and additional event spaces.”

This past fall, the bureau kicked off its “3-21 Getaway” initiative with member hotels. As part of this initiative, they purchased tickets to three of their core attractions (Winterthur, Hagley and Mt. Cuba) and provided them to member hotels for free. With a two-night stay, guests received free admission to these attractions. “We are planning on launching an expanded version of the same program this spring,” Bittman asserted.

LOOKING AHEAD

Meetings are expected to return slowly, and will look different in future, Bittman explained. “I see a lot more discussion around the size of meeting rooms and contract details than existed before COVID. Room setups will be more spacious. Smaller hotels will have the advantage because they can offer exclusivity to groups. Full buyouts of smaller properties will become commonplace. Smaller cities will come back first due to planners’ reluctance to ‘go big’ because of the concentrations of people.”

KENT COUNTY, DE

www.VisitDelawareVillages.com

WHAT’S NEW

Several exciting new restaurants are slated to open this year in Kent County. One of the most entertaining eateries to open is the Sugar Factory American Brasserie located inside Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. This family-friendly restaurant boasts milkshakes, a floor-to-ceiling candy wall, carousel themed bar, smoking candy goblets and more.

Kent County also will be home to the newest Microtel concept opening in spring of 2021 in Milford. The new hotel will feature design elements never seen before in Microtels.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Kent County Tourism has maintained open communication with tourism partners, stake holders and potential visitors looking to explore the area. Their website offers a dedicated section covering current guidelines and restrictions to help in planning for a safe trip. In tandem with the Delaware State Tourism Office, Kent County Tourism is working to streamline all messaging so that visitors can get the information they need.

Kent County Tourism also has launched a Tourism Grants program to help ease the financial burden the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. During the year, they distributed twenty $500 grants to tourism-related member businesses that are the heart of the local community.

Kayaking at Killens Pond State Park;

photo courtesy: Kent County Tourism Corporation