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Tourism Development :
1998 - 1999

With the continuing decline in agriculture across the Region and the recent job losses in the manufacturing sector, the importance of tourism local economy cannot be underestimated. Indeed, almost 10% of the Region's workforce is employed in the tourism sector. In line with the Region's Tourism strategy, Groundbase is supporting the industry with a range of programmes designed to consolidate and enhance existing operations as well as encouraging and developing new initiatives to attract an increasing number of visitors to the area.

During 1995-1997, the various projects run under this programme provided substantial support for the development of tourism accommodation, catering, attraction enhancement, new technology support and sectoral development schemes. More details of this are available in Tourism Development : 1995-1997.

This page details current programmes and illustrates them with recent case studies.

VISITOR ATTRACTION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME (VAEP) for 1998-1999 :

Open to operators of visitor attractions, this programme can assist with the costs of upgrading the quality, presentation and interpretation of the attraction, improving access and facilities for the disabled as well as assisting with marketing and skills training. Discretionary grants of up to 50% may be awarded, to a maximum of £ 10,000.

Case Studies :

Wildlife Park, Kirkcudbright :
£ 17,000 under the Visitor Attraction Enhancement Programme to improve the animal care and visitor facilities.
Kirroughtree Visitor Centre :
£ 8,000 under the Visitor Attraction Enhancement Programme to construct the childrens' play area.
Is this appropriate for you ? Contact Groundbase now. If not, continue.

TOURISM CATERING SUPPORT PROGRAMME (TCSP)
for 1998-1999 :

Successfully piloted in 1997, this programme aims to improve the quality of catering and customer service in restaurants and tea rooms in recognised tourist destinations. New and existing businesses are eligible and grants of up to 50% may be awarded (to a maximum of £ 10,000 Pounds Sterling), to assist with the conversion of premises, upgrade of kitchen facilities and appliances, and to improve disabled and toilet facilities. Participation in relevant training courses such as 'Scotland's Best' and 'Natural Cooking of Scotland' are conditions of grant support, these courses being run through Dumfries & Galloway Enterprise. 21 projects had been supported by the end of September 1998.

Case Studies

Masonic Arms, Gatehouse-of-Fleet :
Funding under the Tourism Catering Support Programme to improve the restaurant facilities.
Plumed Horse Restaurant, Crossmichael :
Funding under the Tourism Catering Support Programme to improve the kitchen facilities and to furnish and equip the upper dining area.
Is this appropriate for you ? Contact Groundbase now. If not, continue.

TOURISM EVENTS SUPPORT PROGRAMME (TESP) for 1998-1999 :

Aimed at local Community Groups or Associations, this assists with the costs of staging significant new events such as music festivals, art and craft events or historical re-enactments, with the intention of attracting visitors to the area and raising the profile of the local community. Discretionary grants of up to 50% may be awarded (to a maximum of £ 5,000 Pounds Sterling).

Case Study :

Creetown Country Music Festival :
Funding under the Tourism Events Support Programme to assist in the costs of staging the second year of this annual event.

Also see : EVENTS DIARY 1998.

and this year : EVENTS DIARY 1999.
Is this appropriate for you ? Contact Groundbase now. If not, go to the next page.

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Last updated 4th February 1999.