A NATIONAL hotel chain has shown its confidence in the future of the east of the county by making a major investment in Thanet.

This year Swallow Hotels took over the Lonsdale Court Hotel, Cliftonville, and the former Ramada Jarvis Ramsgate, now Swallow Kent International Hotel.

The general managers of both establishments are now keen to promote tourism and bolster Thanet’s economy through their hotels.

They outlined their commitment to enhancing the isle’s prospects at the Transmanche event at the Winter Gardens.

John Hammond, of Lonsdale Court, and Alan Deller, of the Ramsgate waterfront hotel, are positive about Thanet’s future.

They cited the development of Ramsgate Marina, Kent International Airport and Westwood Cross as positive assets and reasons for confidence in Thanet.

The two hotels have more than 100 rooms between them.

Mr Deller is keen to promote the Ramsgate hotel as an ideal business venue, well suited to meetings and conferences for up to 200 delegates.

More than £100,000 has been spent refurbishing Lonsdale Court, a popular meeting place for organisations within the district.

Mr Hammond said: "Swallow hotels are high class and recognised for their excellent branded quality. Now Swallow is here in Thanet we are looking forward to improving the tourism industry."

He hoped the presence of Swallow in Thanet would help draw in companies and put the isle on the corporate map.

Mr Deller added: "We want to pull more people into Ramsgate and Margate from outside areas. The money generated will help improve the surroundings and business opportunities."

Swallow Hotels currently has 75 hotels and inns in the UK, with six in Kent. The chain is expanding rapidly and plans to more than double the number of establishments nationwide by 2007.