A Kent pub and Canterbury-based tour operator have teamed up to market the county as an ancestral adventure holiday destination to tourists from Virginia, US.

The Black Horse Inn at Thurnham near Maidstone and operator Walk Awhile aim to benefit from the Jamestown 2007 project – a joint scheme featuring a pilgrimage walk between Winchester and Canterbury launched by Kent Tourism Alliance and VisitBritain.

Pub owner John Freeman said: “Jamestown 2007 provides an exciting opportunity to help increase the existing steady flow of customers from North America. With transatlantic direct flights between Kent International Airport and Norfolk Virginia starting in Spring 2007, we’re hoping that this innovative partnership will boost tourism in the area.”

Walk Awhile’s managing director Derek Bright added: “A pilgrimage walking theme is inescapable owing to the local history combined with the national trail – the North Downs Way – which runs across the county.” Details: www.walkawhile.co.uk