TOURISM is a good money-spinner for the county.

The Garden of England with its long fascinating coastline and wealth of inland attractions has so much to offer.

And there is more to come, including new railways and rolling stock, and the Turner Contemporary at Margate.

But it could do even better. Its delights are still unknown to many rushing through on their way to port, airport or Shuttle terminal.

After a fanfare launch, Kent Tourism Alliance, set up to promote the county, went quiet. It needed a shakeup and that is just what Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive, and Fran Warrington, head of tourism, are giving it at their new HQ in Canterbury.

They are attracting new investors and putting together a strategy designed to appeal to business and attract more visitors.

Bill Dax, KTA'S outgoing chairman, deserves thanks for giving the organisation business pedigree and for persuading Eurotunnel to fork out £1.5m over three years.

Another sound businessman, Brent Pollard, his successor, has worked wonders with wife Fiona at the Hop Farm Country Park. He won't hesitate in giving the industry a kick up the backside because Kent Tourism needs more support from those 3,000 tourist-related businesses.

He is one of the industry's exemplars. There are some great ones out there. But others offer sub-standard service no longer acceptable to today's more demanding clients.

To combat these service issues, bosses and staff will be offered training programmes, with "mystery" customers following up to check standards.

It may sound like Big Brother, but one dodgy experience can deter a visitor from ever returning.

And that's bad news for every citizen.