Kent County Council is establishing a framework for public sector organisations across the UK to access a wide range of travel management solutions. The framework covers core travel services, event and venue services, and emergency accommodation services, including booking and managing accommodation, air, rail, and ground transport, delegate management, event planning, and rapid-response emergency accommodation. The estimated total value of the framework is £60,000,000 including VAT, with a contract period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030. The framework is suitable for contractors able to provide compliant, flexible, and outcomes-focused travel services, including social value delivery and safeguarding provisions.

Key Dates

• Enquiry deadline: 6 March 2026, 5:00pm

• Tender submission deadline: 2 April 2026, 5:00pm

• Estimated award decision: 22 May 2026

• Estimated contract start: 1 July 2026

• Estimated contract end: 30 June 2030

• Contract duration: 4 years

Scope of Works

• Lot 1 – Core Travel Services:

  • Booking and management of accommodation, domestic and international air travel, rail tickets, and ground transport

  • Travel management services including accessibility features, traveller tracking, carbon reporting, invoicing, and VIP services

• Lot 2 – Event and Venue Services:

  • Planning and delivery of meetings, conferences, and events

  • Delegate and guest management, technical setup, venue sourcing, pre- and post-event support

  • Support services including accessibility, social value, and VIP services

• Lot 3 – Emergency Accommodation Services:

  • 24/7 emergency accommodation booking with rapid response

  • Safeguarding, DBS checks, hotel safety and health compliance

  • Tailored support for vulnerable groups and under-18s, pseudonymous bookings, and risk assessment of locations

• All lots require adherence to safeguarding standards, social value delivery, and public sector compliance

Ideal Contractor

• Experienced travel management services provider with capability across accommodation, transport, and event management

• Able to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions across multiple public sector customers

• Competent in emergency accommodation and safeguarding procedures

• Proven track record in framework or multi-client delivery, including reporting, analytics, and compliance

• Capable of integrating social value and accessibility initiatives into service delivery

• SMEs and VCSEs can apply, as explicitly stated in the tender, but contractors of any size may participate