Grant launched to boost tourism businesses in Malvern Hills

The Malvern Hills Tourism Grant Scheme, from Malvern Hills District Council, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The aim of the scheme is to help develop the local tourism industry within specific areas, as well as increasing visitor numbers and improving the visitor experience within the Malvern Hills District.

The scheme plans to support the Malvern Hills District tourism industry to grow over a two-year period, with the opportunity to:

• Encourage businesses to adopt greener practices

• Help with upkeep of local attractions

• Improve visitor experience

• Improve accessibility at attractions

• Encourage festival and event development in town centres

READ MORE: Nearly £800million was spent by tourists in Worcestershire during 2021

Eligible businesses can apply for a 50 per cent match-funded grant. Grants include:

• Cultural/Heritage Attractions - up to £5,000

• Attractions – up to £2,500

• Sustainable Tourism – up to £2,500

• Festivals and Events - up to £1,000

Victoria Carman, visitor economy manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for our tourism businesses within the district who would like to grow and develop.

“I would encourage them to take a look at our dedicated web page and apply.”

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/grants-and-funding for more information about the grant and criteria for eligibility.

Data released earlier this year showed nearly £800 million was spent by visitors in Worcestershire in 2021.

According to figures from Visit Worcestershire, there were more than 13 million day trips to Worcestershire and just over 14 million visits to the county in total.

On average, overnight visitors spent three nights in the county with the majority using paid-for accommodation compared to stopping with friends or relatives.

Visit Worcestershire’s data also showed there were 16,630 tourism-related jobs in Worcestershire in 2021.