Inbound operators and destination management companies have been invited to apply for grants from a new £300,000 VisitBritain fund.
The Destination Management Company and Inbound Tour Operator Amplification and Distribution Fund has been launched to support efforts to develop and market inbound tourism in conjunction with overseas tour operators.
VisitBritain said it was seeking eligible companies “who can develop and market new Britain itineraries, with a focus on extending the tourism season, and see these incorporated in to the 2022 sales effort of international tour operators in the fund’s target markets of France, Germany and the United States.”
VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “We are very pleased to announce this new grant funding, in response to a clear ask from the industry, to support DMCs and inbound tour operators at a critical time in the sector’s recovery.
“Our priority is building back demand and visitor spending for those most likely to visit in 2022, and this fund will support the travel trade to sell Britain, driving immediacy to visit and bookings.
“Broadening travel itineraries to boost inbound visits across the shoulder seasons will also support local businesses, destinations and economies.”
DMCs and inbound tour operators can apply for individual grant awards between £20,000 and £40,000 in one of two application categories, relative to their 2019 inbound package sales.
The deadline for applications is January 13, with activity needing to run from February to June 2022.
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