VisitEngland reveals first winners of £40m Discover England Fund

26 August 2016 by
VisitEngland reveals first winners of £40m Discover England Fund

VisitEngland has revealed the seven projects that will receive support from the first phase of the £40m Discover England Fund.

The announcement follows the government's Tourism Action Plan, which aims to improve Britain's competitive tourism offer and ensure the continued success of the industry.

One of its main aims will be to make it easier and more appealing for visitors to explore the country by rail, bus and coach.

Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitEngland, said the fund attracted an exceptional number of high quality bids, far outweighing the allocated funding available for year one.

She added: "We are pleased to have chosen some excellent winners who we will now be working closely with to build world-class ‘bookable' tourism products showcasing the best of England to international and domestic visitors.

"We look forward to continuing the success of the fund with larger scale bids worth more than £1m in years two and three."

Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "With world class museums, fantastic heritage sites and stunning countryside, the UK has a lot to offer tourists - from both home and abroad.

"Through the Discover England Fund and working with the industry, I look forward to helping further strengthen tourism outside London to ensure that growth from the sector is enjoyed right across the whole country."

The news was also welcomed by UKinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells.

She said: "As a member of the Discover England awards panel, I was really impressed with the quality and variety of projects which were submitted for consideration and the winners are a reflection of the diversity and innovation that is such an essential part of our industry."

Focusing on a wide range of international markets, including established markets such as the US, Germany, France and the Netherlands as well as growth markets including China and the Middle East, the seven bids collectively cover the length and breadth of the regions of England.

The first successful applicants are:

  • Golf Tourism England
  • Telling the Stories of England: Developing Cultural Tourism Products across England for the US Alumni and Affinity Tours
  • Visit Kent and Cheshire's Gardens and Gourmet
  • England's Seafood Coast
  • Incentive England
  • Self-guided activity app

For more information on the winners visit www.visitbritain.org/discover-england-fund-year-one-round-one

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