First Steps
Programme Measures
Encouragement of Tourism Activities
What will this Measure do?
This Measure offers new and existing tourism providers an opportunity to develop, promote or expand tourism activities and infrastructure.Why?
- To improve the marketing, co-ordination and promotion of tourism activities,
- To increase visitor numbers to the region,
- To create employment opportunities and
- To encourage sustainable, eco-friendly tourism developments
Private sector and social economy tourism businesses and public bodies that have a tourism remit. Please note: This is a competitive programme.
What type of projects can be supported?
New and existing tourism products can be supported under this measure e.g.- Activity based tourism
- Self-catering accommodation (in order to be eligible full planning permission must be in place at time of submitting an application)
What type of grant and how much?
Activity | Level of support | Maximum Grant |
| 1. Grant-aid towards capital and resource costs to help develop activity based tourism projects. | For all of these grants the level of support is up to 50% for the private sector and 75% for social economy enterprises including Community Groups. Non Dept Public Bodies and local Councils. | Up to £50,000 |
| 2.Grant-aid towards self catering accommodation in support of recreational development | Up to £50,000 | |
| 3. Grant-aid to support the strategic development of rural tourism resources in the area by 2015 | £50,000 - £250,000 |
· Social economy enterprises, non departmental public bodies & councils may provide match funding in the form of contribution in kind (20%) and cash contribution of at least 5%
· Applicants can also apply for technical support, bespoke training & marketing support under this Measure
Eligible ApplicantsApplicants must be located in a rural area. They may be;
- private individuals, aged over 18 years
- private companies or partnerships
- social economy enterprises*.
- Local councils
- non departmental public bodies
*Definition: Social Economy Enterprise (SEE) are viewed as those organisations that have a social, community or ethical purpose, operate using a commercial business model and have a legal form appropriate to a non-for personal profit status. This measure will not provide support for applicants eligible under measure 3.1.
Non Eligible Activities
Annex 1 Products – (refer to the instructions on the link below)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/state-aid/agristate-aid/index.htm
B&B bed space
Retail*
Mobile Infrastructure**
Any activity that could be funded by another statutory body/council.
Employment grants
Running costs e.g. heat, light etc
Existing Festivals
* Except where integral part of craft production facility or farm shop
** Except specialised mobile infrastructure for specific project requirements
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy Sources may be funded only where it is part of a capital expenditure project for a new or expanding business. The overall project must also create employment.
