Rural funding available for tourism businesses

Tourism in Gloucestershire is a key part of our local economy, and GFirst LEP are working closely with the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), to develop strategies that will increase the county’s all-year round tourism offer, alongside a new funding boost as part of £177 million of funding from DEFRA nationally.

The European Growth Fund, provides funding to help projects which create jobs and boost the economy, and has been allocated rural development funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), for delivery through a European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Growth Programme. This fund will give tourism businesses in Gloucestershire two separate opportunities to be personally involved in helping to grow the industry and increase the number of visitors to the area.

The fund, as identified and managed through the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is calling for business support in: building knowledge and skills in rural areas, developing micro and SME businesses and supporting renewable investments. The ‘summer call out’ is seeking support for tourism in rural areas, in the following two areas

Tourism Infrastructure – For rural businesses and communities seeking to invest in recreational and small scale rural tourism infrastructure.  This call will look at increasing the number of overnight visits and day visits to Gloucestershire, through the promotion of sustainable events and festivals, as well as signage support for new product development priorities to raise awareness of the county. 

Tourism Business Development – For micro and small rural businesses seeking to expand and create jobs, as well as farmers or members of the farm household seeking to diversify into non-agricultural activities. 

The successful applicants will support existing tourism businesses to expand and improve their current offer (especially in the outdoor tourism market); these will go on to create new jobs in the tourism sector in Gloucestershire and appeal to new markets through capital investments in infrastructure. 

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses in the tourism sector, who know the county best, to get involved in supporting the Gloucestershire economy. The time and help businesses can provide will ultimately have a positive impact on job creation, increase visitors and overall benefit the local tourism industry.”

DEFRA are welcoming rural tourism businesses to apply now - more details and information can be found at the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/growth-programme-grants-for-the-rural-economy.