New tourism development funding for rural Cumbria businesses
Rural and tourism businesses in Cumbria are being alerted to the latest rounds of funding available
through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
The Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership has been working with the Department for Environment
Food and Rural Affairs to help secure new funding opportunities as part of its overall EU funding
allocation.
A total of £1.5m is available within the latest calls for applications with a closing deadline of 27
November 2015. Funding will be applied to help deliver eligible projects which focus on tourism
business development and rural infrastructure improvements.
EU strategy manager for the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership Corinne Watson explains: “The
tourism business development funding is designed to improve the quality of serviced overnight
accommodation available in rural areas. It is to support micro and small rural businesses seeking to
expand and create jobs.
“The tourism infrastructure call is supporting rural businesses and communities seeking to invest in
recreational and small scale rural tourism projects. Grants are available to develop new and existing
visitor attractions, events and festivals and small scale infrastructure.
“The ultimate objective of both funding streams is to attract more overseas visitors to stay in
Cumbria for longer and spend more in the local economy.”
Details of the specifics of each funding call along with guidance notes and information on how to
apply are available via the following links:
Tourism business development - total grant funding available is £500,000, with funding offered to a
maximum of 10 projects.
https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/tourism-business-development-call-incumbria-07rd15to0001
Tourism infrastructure - total grant funding available is £1,000,000, with funding offered to a
maximum of 20 projects.
https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/tourism-infrastructure-call-for-cumbria07rd15to0002
Graham Haywood, director of Cumbria LEP adds: “The rural tourism sector has significant
opportunity for growth to develop Cumbria’s overall year round tourism offer. This also benefits the
wider economy through higher spend on rural attractions and accommodation as well as an increase
in tourism based enterprises and job opportunities.”
The Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership Cumbria has been awarded an allocation of £87.2m from
the European Structural Funds Programme 2014-2020. This includes the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF) and European Agriculture Fund for Rural
Development (EAFRD).
For further information on European Funding in Cumbria, please contact Corinne Watson at Cumbria
Local Enterprise Partnership corinne.watson@cumbria.gov.uk
Ends
For media information please contact Paul Gardner at Osprey Communications on 015394-42436 or
07766-906561
Notes for editors
•
Cumbria LEP provides a strategic lead for all activities contributing to the growth and vibrancy of
the county’s economy and where appropriate takes positive action, using the skills, capability
and networks of LEP partners.
•
The LEP is keen to work with all partners and stakeholders (private and public) to undertake
actions, secure funding and implement initiatives to support sustainability and growth of
Cumbria’s economy.
•
A copy of the Cumbria Strategic Economic Plan is available at: www.cumbrialep.co.uk/what-wedo/sep/
•
European funding streams are managed by the Department for Communities and Local
Government for ERDF, Department for Work and Pensions for ESF and the Department for
Environment Food and Rural Affairs for EAFRD.