£10m for small businesses to kickstart tourism

It has been announced that communities that depend on tourism will receive a major boost from a new £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package.

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Simon Clarke, spoke at the Local Government Association’s annual conference to confirm the new funding, which will be distributed to communities immediately to kick start tourism in time for the summer as part of the government’s drive to boost the recovery of the economy.

Many areas across the country have experienced a significant fall in tourist and visitor numbers in recent months as a result of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. The £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package, will give small businesses in tourist destinations grants of up to £5,000 to help them adapt their businesses following the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses can use the funding to pay for specialist professional advice such as human resources, legal or financial expertise, to adopt new technology and online systems or to purchase new equipment. 100 per cent of the money will come from government with no obligation for businesses to contribute financially.

Clarke said: “When the Prime Minister announced the New Deal, he made it clear that the government is determined to change the country for the better, uniting and  levelling up our regions. Kick-starting domestic tourism will be key to our economic recovery and that is why I am delighted to announce £10 million in new funding for small businesses in tourist destinations, bringing jobs, investment, and financial support to the communities who need it the most.”