VisitKent chairman Amanda Cottrell has pledged to attract more visitors to help tourism businesses weather economic uncertainty.

Mrs Cottrell's fourth annual garden party in Challock attracted more than 100 guests, some of whom left with a trophy for their outstanding contribution to Kent's tourism industry.

She told them: "At a time when the economic climate is uncertain, life is full of uncertainties and we do not know yet how the emergency budget will affect us all - there is one certainty. That whilst there is breath in our body we [Visit Kent] will work to support you and your businesses by bringing more visitors to Kent, by raising funds to do our work, making the most of all opportunities in the year ahead and most importantly by harnessing the power of our partnership to benefit us all."

VisitKent is working with M&C Saatchi on the Kent Contemporary tourism promotion campaign that encourages potential visitors and residents to look at the county in a fresh light. Several posters have already been displayed on key station and poster sites, and will be followed by a user-generated content website, giving residents an opportunity to showcase everything they love about the county.

Award winners included Julian Barnes, managing director of Biddenden Vineyards, John Meardon of Canterbury Cathedral, Dominic di Cara, general manager of the Ramada Hotel, Hollingbourne, Simon Hookway and the tourism team at Gravesham council, Julie Adams of P&O Ferries, Sarah Sturt, editor of Kent Life magazine, and Barbara Thomas of Southeastern.