Locals are able to reap the benefits of a new round of tourism funding announced by the NSW Government.
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"A new round of tourism funding has just been announced that is dedicated for operators in regional NSW," Weddin Shire Council Economic Development and Tourism Officer Auburn Carr said.
There are two streams of funding:
Up to $10,000 for Tourism Product Development Fund - Refresh and Renew Fund.
Up to $150,000 for Tourism Product Development Fund - Experience Enhancement Fund.
"It would be well worth reading the guideline documents to determine whether your business is eligible," Auburn said.
The NSW Government has announced that $3 million will be available through the 2020/21 Tourism Product Development Fund.
$1 million is available under a Refresh and Renew Fund and $2 million is available through an Experience Enhancement Fund.
Applications for both funds are now open and will close at 9am (Sydney time) on 31 March 2021.
The Refresh and Renew Fund offers unmatched grants of $10,000 to assist tourism operators to update their product or experience to better meet consumer expectations.
"Due to COVID-19, many people, who would traditionally travel to overseas destinations for their holiday, will now be travelling domestically to regional NSW destinations," A NSW Government spokesperson said.
"To assist regional NSW tourism businesses to better meet consumer expectations, grants are now available to assist regional NSW tourism operators Refresh and Renew their product."
Tourism businesses based and operating in NSW can apply.
The Experience Enhancement Fund offers grants between $50,000 and $150,000 on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis and is available for:
- Upgrading existing accommodation to 4 - 5-star
- Upgrading existing business and leisure event venues/facilities to meet client requirements
- Repurposing existing infrastructure to provide new visitor economy facilities, services or experiences not currently available within the destination
- Creating new tourism attractions or experiences
Local Councils, Industry Associations and tourism businesses based and operating in NSW can apply.
"Work on the project must commence within three (3) months and all work completed (i.e. the new or improved tourism offering is available to visitors) within 18 months of the Funding Agreement being signed by Destination NSW," a NSW Government spokesperson said.
To find out more about any of these funding programs or to read the guidelines or apply please visit https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/business-development-resources/funding-and-grants/tourism-product-development-fund#refreshandrenew.
Rebecca Hewson
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
