SMEs set for £10m funding boost to ‘kickstart’ England's tourism industry

SMEs in England set to benefit from a multi-million pound government support to revitalise the country’s tourism industry following the COVID-19 crisis.

The government has today (July 3) unveiled a £10m support package for small businesses in a bid to accelerate the recovery of England’s tourism industry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Businesses located in tourist destinations will be able to access up to £5,000 under the new Kick-starting Tourism Package scheme, part of the Prime Minister’s £5bn New Deal to support economic recovery.

Minister for regional growth and local government, Simon Clarke MP, commented: “When the Prime Minister announced the New Deal, he made it clear that the government is determined to change the country for the better, uniting and levelling up our regions.

“Kick-starting domestic tourism will be key to our economic recovery and that is why I am delighted to announce £10m in new funding for small businesses in tourist destinations, bringing jobs, investment, and financial support to the communities who need it the most.”

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston added: “Our tourism sector is hugely important - creating jobs, supporting businesses and driving local economies in villages, towns and cities across the country.

“It is vital that we help the sector bounce back and give it the platform to recover when it reopens from tomorrow.

“This fund will help many small businesses in tourism destinations and with the infrastructure investment brought forward will provide a further boost for jobs and growth.”