Calls have been made to give the Dover district World Heritage status as major investment continues to improve the area.

Graham Hutchison, chairman of the White Cliffs Country Tourism Association (WCCTA), is pushing for Unesco to recognise Dover, Deal and Sandwich for the “world-class destination” that it is.

His vision for the area’s natural beauty to be championed has been supported by businesses and councillors alike.

But the application could cost about half a million pounds, one supporter has warned.

Mr Hutchison says research shows the visitor economy in south east Kent overall was worth £200 million a year and supported 4,000 jobs.

A spokesman for the WCCTA said: “Mr Hutchison unveiled his vision of seeing White Cliffs Country recognised as the world class destination he believes it is.

“He also suggested that the tourism industry should be pushing for UNESCO to recognise the area as a World Heritage Site.”

He believes the area meets Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) criteria due to its aesthetic natural beauty and importance.

Other qualifiers would be its significant ongoing geological processes in the development of land forms and important and significant natural habitats.

His suggestion was presented at a meeting at Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal, attended by representatives from more than 40 local businesses and organisations, such as the Port of Dover.

It comes as a bid has already been made to give a swathe of land between Kent and France Unesco status - making it the world's only chalk-based Global Geopark.

Both Dover District Council and Dover Town Council support the latest campaign.

A Dover Town Council spokesman said: “The council is a strong advocate of the unique and outstanding heritage assets of our town.

“It is currently supporting the bid for the Heritage Coast to gain Unesco geopark status led by the Kent Downs AONB.”

But the council said government figures suggest putting together a bid for World Heritage status would cost in the region of £420,000 to £570,000.

Kent county councillor for Dover North Steve Manion said: “I personally would support such a move as I believe the iconic White Cliffs of Dover are world famous for the gateway to the UK from the continent.”

KCC Dover town member Nigel Collor said: “I will gladly support this. I did last time it was suggested about 10 years ago.”

A Dover District Council spokesman said: “We continue to work with our partners to support and promote tourism and the fantastic heritage of the area, including the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover.

“In 2022, Lonely Planet listed Kent’s Heritage Coast as one of the best regions to visit in the world, and we are already working with Kent Downs AONB to support a bid for Unesco status for the Kent Downs.”

“The tourism industry should be pushing for UNESCO to recognise the area as a World Heritage Site...”

Apart from the cliffs the district has age-old assets such as Dover Castle and the Napoleonic fortifications across the valley on the Western Heights.

The district is continually regenerating with the ongoing £250 million Dover Western Docks Revival, a redevelopment of the area, which was the port’s original cross-Channel terminal.

A new surf lagoon and hotel are also planned for Betteshanger Country Park, where a new mining museum and restaurant has already opened.

A multi-million pound investment is also planned for Bench Street in Dover, which will see a creative centre built.