North and East Yorkshire tourism set for a £10m boost

A TOURISM grant from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership’s European funded pot, to help grow the rural economy.

£10m has been allocated for between now and 2020.

Tourism businesses in the catchment area are being asked to apply for grants between £35,000 and £500,000, who have plans to bring more visitors to the area, encourage them to increase stays and do more while they’re in the region.

According to the LEP, around 10% of North Yorkshire and the East Riding’s economy comes from tourism and associated sectors.

There is £800,000 available in the first round of funding, which runs until the end of the year, with more calls throughout 2016.

Jane Lady Gibson, LEP board member and chairwoman of Make It York said:”As a region, we have more than 200 years’ experience of welcoming visitors to North Yorkshire and the East Riding. And with some of the UK’s best-loved coastline, two national parks as well as much more off the beaten path, we have a bright future too.

“This funding provides us with a great opportunity to both attract more tourists, and encourage them to visit more frequently by boosting our attractions and capitalising on the assets we already have.”