KENT'S tourism industry is hoping for a Virginian "invasion" when direct flights begin next year.

A campaign to attract more Americans to the county has been launched in Norfolk, Virginia.

It comes six weeks after Bromley-based Cosmos unveiled its flights and holiday programme for British travellers going to Virginia and North Carolina.

More than 200 people, including Lord De L’isle of Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge, attended the launch event in a hotel close to Norfolk International Airport.

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of the Kent Tourism Alliance, stressed the important historic link between the two places.

She said "We are looking forward to a Virginian invasion. She estimated that the flights could inject £5 million into the Kent economy next year.

Weekly flights between Kent International Airport at Manston, and Norfolk, start on Wednesday, May 2, just two weeks before the 400th anniversary of the first settlement of Virginia by English adventurers.

It is understood that Cosmos has already taken more than 200 bookings from British travellers. Kent business chiefs are now looking for an enthusiastic response from Americans to make the risky project a success.

Ten thousand seats are available on aircraft operated by Monarch Airlines between May and October.

Backers in Kent, including Kent County Council, and Virginia are investing around £1 million in the venture and want to see it continue beyond 2007.

Despite its name, Norfolk’s large modern airport has no international flights and next year’s service will be its first.

Airport bossses believe the hassle for Americans of coming to the UK via Washington and other hubs will persuade them to switch to direct services to Manston.

Ken Scott, chief executive of Norfolk International, said: "This is probably the biggest gamble we have ever taken, but I’m very optimistic and excited about it. I think our community is ready to support this type of service."

Cllr Alex King, deputy leader of KCC, who has promoted the idea of direct flights for several years, told guests "We welcome you all to Kent. We shall be delighted to share with you a very special place. At every level this is a great adventure."

Peter Decker, 71-year-old chairman of Norfolk International Airport Commission, added "I’ve had a great deal of successes, but I’ve suffered a few failures so I’m not over confident, but I’m about 90 per cent sure this will work for the American side."