Cash boost for tourism associations

The Shropshire and Telford Destination Management Partnership (DMP), which provides the strategic direction for investment in the area’s visitor economy, has launched a grant scheme for tourism associations and other not-for-profit tourism groups.

Called the Network Development Fund, the scheme provides grants of up to £500 to support the costs of special events such as network days and familiarisation visits, and other development activities such as the production of promotional material. An example of an eligible project would be a seminar for tourism businesses within a market town.

The total size of the Network Development Fund pot is £8,000 for 2009. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. An organisation can only receive one grant from the fund per financial year.

Katie Foster, Chair of the DMP, said: “The DMP recognises the important role local tourism associations and other grass roots tourism groups have in building the visitor economy and making sure that Shropshire provides a unique and excellent visitor experience. This fund will help to build the capacity in the sector and encourage further collaborative working between tourism businesses.”

Associations and groups interested in the scheme are invited to contact Tim King, Shropshire Council’s Tourism Officer, on 01743 252257, for more information.

The Network Development Fund forms part of Advantage West Midland’s investment in the Shropshire and Telford Destination Management Partnership. Other areas of investment include marketing, skills development and research.

Shropshire Council is the accountable body for the DMP and Transforming Telford provides the secretariat.

Further information

Shropshire and Telford Destination Management Partnership is a partnership of public and private sector bodies involved in tourism across Shropshire and Telford. It provides the strategic direction to high-level investment in tourism throughout Shropshire and Telford by setting priorities and commissioning countywide activity.

The current DMP Board membership is: Nick Taylor, Assistant Director – Strategy and Development, Shropshire Council; Councillor David Roberts, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for local environment and economy; Sarah Raper, Telford & Wrekin Council; Simon McCloy, Shropshire Tourism; Katie Foster, Independent Chairperson; Geoff Grimes, Magnolia B&B; John Cushing, Goldstone Hall, Councillor Eric Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council; Steve Miller, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

3 July 2009

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