New £10 million for small businesses to kickstart tourism

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke has announced a new £10 million package to support communities that depend on tourism, as part of the government’s drive to boost the recovery of the economy.

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.

This is the latest package of support for economic recovery following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the “New Deal” last week, which is expected to bring forward £5 billion of capital investment projects, supporting jobs and economic recovery. 

Mr Clarke explained that 100 per cent of the money will come from government with no obligation for businesses to contribute financially. 

"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," explained Mr Clarke. 

"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."

The government's latest initiative is expected to help ensure that tourist hot-spots are firmly open for business this summer, after many areas across the country experienced a significant fall in visitor numbers in recent months.