Cotswolds Tourism has recently secured funding for ‘Help to Thrive’ through the latest round of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The project aims to help local businesses create new experiences and promote them successfully online.
The first element is to identify businesses that could create new and engaging experiences and help them to develop those ideas. This could involve working with a cheese shop to offer a tasting experience that is paired with local wine tasting. The second element is to work with local businesses and find a way in which these experiences can be brought to a wider audience by making them bookable online.
A range of specialist training workshops are planned for later this year to help businesses develop a bookable tourism experience, to access new markets, and learn about different booking platforms. A bespoke 1:1 mentoring programme will also be available for a number of businesses from each local authority area, and people considering starting a visitor economy business for the first time will also be welcome to join the programme.
Three of the local authority areas across the Cotswolds have backed the project and visitor economy businesses in Cotswold District, West Oxfordshire District and Tewkesbury Borough Council areas are all now eligible. Businesses are being asked at this stage to complete a short questionnaire or email Cotswold Tourism to register an interest.
Paul James, Economic Development Lead at Cotswold District Council said, “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has already supported a number of exciting projects which are making a real difference across the Cotswold District. Tourism is a hugely important sector for us, and I’m delighted that we’re able to work with Cotswolds Tourism to help businesses serving the visitor economy to succeed by adapting as consumer behaviour changes. I’d encourage businesses to make the most of the support that is available.”
Andy Barge, Assistant Director for Communities at West Oxfordshire said, “This is a unique opportunity for visitor economy businesses or local town groups to come together to learn how to develop an immersive visitor experience and drive visitors to less well-known places around the region. We look forward to working closely with the Cotswolds Tourism team.”
Andy Sanders, Head of Community and Economic Development at Tewkesbury Borough Council said, “Alongside the training, businesses will be marketed and promoted by Cotswolds Tourism. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Tewkesbury Borough as the draw of the Cotswolds helps to drive visitors to the district. I encourage businesses to apply immediately as we expect this will be popular.”
Click here to find out more about Cotswolds Tourism.
