UK Economy Minister launches multi-million pound support programme for local tourism

Friday, August 27, 2021

UK Economy Minister Gordon Lyons launched a multi-million pound support programme for the local tourism sector.
The Experience Development Programme will provide financial assistance to existing tourism providers for creating experiences that reflect the Northern Ireland ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ experience brand and alsoencourage demand for local tourism.

With capital grants of up to £450,000, the programme is open for applications and will handle substantial new investment in tourism offerings across Northern Ireland. Funding of up to 80% of eligible costs is available for private/voluntary sector organizations and up to 50% for public sector bodies.

Minister Lyons said, “Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful places on earth, it offers experiences that live long in the memory and its people are among the most welcoming around.This programme will help our tourism sector capitalise on these essential assets. We must ensure we are well-placed to meet and maximise demand in future years. This programme will help us meet those demands by supporting the development of a sustainable tourism economy. I encourage all forward-thinking, innovative providers to consider applying.”

David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI, said, “Tourism NI first introduced the programme last year and received phenomenal interest from the industry. Due to the high levels of demand, we are delighted to open the programme again for a new round of projects. The programme will help tourism providers develop new and attractive experiences that are in line with the Northern Ireland ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ experience brand and explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

The programme will be centering on attractions and other experience providers.

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