Today Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, announced that a fund of £1.7 million for the Tourism Amenity Investment Support (TAIS) fund is now open for applications.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The funding is aimed at public, third sector and not for profit organisations for investment targeting small scale infrastructure (visitor amenity) projects in the tourism sector in Wales. This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
The Minister had an opportunity to see the developments taking place under the Elan Links scheme which is a £3.3million investment into the Elan Valley area over the next five years. It will safeguard the unique and varied heritage of the Elan Valley and enhance the area for the long-term.
Funding was secured from the last round of TAIS funding for four projects - opening access to inaccessible and/or underutilised sites at Elan, including the World War 2 pillboxes which were visited by the Minister; creating three family friendly hubs across the Valley; building a new woodland cycle trail and improving destination signage.
Dr Ieuan Joyce, Chair of Elan Valley Trust and the Elan Links scheme, said:
“The Elan Valley is a special place with a unique landscape, story and history. The funding received through the Tourism Amenity Investment Scheme means that we can increase the activities available for people to enjoy the Elan Valley. It aligns with the long-term vision for the Elan Links scheme of boosting opportunities for visitors while at the same time securing the natural and cultural heritage of the area.”
Lord Elis-Thomas, said:
“The Tourism Amenity Investment Support scheme is an excellent way for us to assist the tourism sector to improve local facilities and amenities. These facilities often go unnoticed but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit Wales and they also benefit those who live in the area.
“I’ve seen today the difference that this funding has made to the Elan Valley project and also seen how local partners have come together and identified what can really make a difference in their area. This funding is another building block to create better destinations. I wish the team at Elan Valley well with the project and urge local partners to see how this funding could be used to improve their destinations.”
This fund is part of a suite of programmes that are aimed at improving the tourism offer in Wales at every level. Supporting improvements to local facilities and amenities will help support the wider tourism economy and help tourism SMEs to grow.
To support this growth the Micro and small business fund is open all year round for applications.
More information on the Tourism Amenity Investment Support (TAIS) (external link).
Applications for the fund will close 25 May.