New Tourism Sector Support Fund launched in North Norfolk

Date published: 25th September 2020

A new £175,000 grant fund has been established by North Norfolk District Council to support visitor economy initiatives and innovation over the colder months.

The North Norfolk Tourism Sector Support Fund will support initiatives, projects and adaptions aimed at strengthening the resilience of the local visitor economy outside of the traditional summer holiday season.

The fund, which offers grants of up to £20,000 is open to local organisations and businesses and has two focuses, Project and Initiatives and Winter Adaption. Grants for winter adaption will help businesses to adapt and support trading during the colder months. While the project and initiatives will encourage individual organisation, consortiums and third-sector organisations to think creatively and collaboratively to deliver schemes that will help attract visitors and customers to local businesses in the District.

Cllr Sarah Bütikofer, Leader of NNDC, commented: “I think it’s really important we do everything we possibly can to support our businesses and if some of them have the opportunity to extend their season either at the end of this year or indeed start early next then we should be supporting them in whatever way we can.”

The funding comes from the £330,000 given to the council by the Norfolk Strategic Fund, and is just one element of the wider package of support being provided by North Norfolk District Council.

The visitor economy has been particularly affected by the impact COVID-19. With continued uncertainties and the need for social distancing, businesses, communities and visitors will have to reimagine what the visitor and experience economy look like. This fund is vital in providing local organisations much needed support and confidence in developing innovative adaptation and creative projects that might not be possible without it.

North Norfolk’s Deep History Coast is already promoting Norfolk as year round destination. It will be another vital tool bring together a range of business and community ambassadors, working together to highlight the incredible coastline, historic coastal and market towns and breath-taking countryside, not just in the summer months but year round.

Cllr Richard Kershaw, NNDC's Portfolio Holder for Economic and Career Growth, said; “This funding is going to be used to extend the season, its focus is getting expressions of interest from business which have suffered due to Coronavirus and the aim is getting those businesses through to the next season, as many as possible.”

The deadline for Expression of Interest is 9am October 19, and you can get more information on the dedicated Tourism Sector Grant webpage. You can also email tourism@north-norfolk.gov.uk for enquiries or to discuss potential applications.