£1.75m boost to help Welsh tourism businesses welcome visitors in all weathers
£1.75m boost to help Welsh tourism businesses welcome visitors in all weathers
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Small tourism and hospitality firms across Wales are set to benefit from a fresh £1.75 million investment aimed at helping them welcome visitors whatever the weather.
The new round of grants, announced by the Welsh Government, will build on the success of the initial weather-proofing fund, which enabled tourist attractions to install facilities such as shelters and drainage to improve resilience against poor weather.
Under the scheme, small enterprises with between 9 and 49 permanent employees that have been trading for at least a year can apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 per project. Eligible businesses include accommodation providers, food and drink establishments, and operators of recreational or outdoor activities.
Funding can be used for measures such as new covered outdoor areas, dining pods, surfacing, and drainage works designed to improve the visitor experience and extend trading opportunities.
Dan-Yr-Ogof Showcaves, which secured funding in the first round, used the support to install a land train shelter and a roof outside its ticket office, ensuring visitors are protected from the rain while queuing.
Ashford Price, co-owner of the caves, said: “Whilst we are always looking to enhance and improve our visitors experience, the Weather Proofing Fund has brought an extra dimension to what we can achieve – our visitors now have sheltered areas to use before making their way into the caves or even when waiting for the next charity land train to pick them up. On some days staying dry that little bit longer can be invaluable.”
The Welsh Government said the fund will strengthen the resilience of the tourism sector, supporting businesses to adapt, improve the visitor offer, and boost spending in local communities.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “I was delighted by the uptake of the first round of our weather-proofing fund, and this additional investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting a sector which is crucial to the Welsh economy.
“By investing in weather-proofing measures, we are supporting businesses to extend their trading opportunities, in turn attracting more visitors, improving experiences, and ultimately increasing stay and spend across Wales.
“Wales offers incredible experiences all year long, and during this ‘Year of Croeso’. The fund will help our smaller tourism businesses make the most of every season – allowing them to give a warm Welsh welcome to visitors year-round.”
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