Tourism Development Scheme 2011 - 2013
Overview
The main objective of the Tourism Development Scheme, which is administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), is to assist the improvement of the tourist amenities which Northern Ireland can offer and thereby strengthen the competitive position of the tourism industry and improve its contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.
Who can apply
- Private Sector - Companies and other legal entities and individuals.
- Public Sector - Commercial and non-commercial semi-state organisations and local authorities.
- Voluntary/Community Sector - Community groups and not-for-profit bodies, including companies limited by guarantee.
Financial assistance up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a minimum grant of £25,000.
Eligibility
Projects which will be considered for support under theTourism Development Scheme 2011-2013 will lie withinthe following 9 destination areas identified within theDraft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020:—
- Belfast
- Fermanagh Lakelands
- Derry ~ Londonderry
- Lough Neagh
- Strangford
- Causeway Coast and Glens
- The Mournes
- The Sperrins
- Armagh
Underpinning these destinations, NITB hasidentified priority products which will be developed to meet with increased visitor expectations and market need. The priority product types for thisTDS Programme are as follows and funding will beprovided to support:
Family Themed Products
- Play areas as part of a wider theme park development or visitor attraction
- Themed children’s trails and “learn to”
- Outdoor family friendly trails
- Theatre / Exhibitions demonstrating family friendly visitor experiences
Culture and Heritage
- Restoration, refurbishment and interpretation of attractions with strong tourism potential
- Gateway Tourist Information Centres as part of a wider tourism offering
Food/Music/Gardens
- Interpretation and innovative themed visitor facilities
- Restoration / conservation of historic andcontemporary gardens which will be significant day visitor attractions
- Proposals to build capacity, increase visitoraccess and improve the visitor experience
Large Scale Conference and Events Infrastructure
- Permanent dressing of buildings
- Events staging structures and equipment
- Permanent pathways / landscaping at outdoorevent locations
- Upgrading of unique and authenticnon accommodation venues
Application Procedure
The TDS application process comprises two stages and all applications are assessed together as a competitive process within a limited grant budget.
Stage 1 - Initial application process and shortlisting
This will involve prospective applicants completing an online application form. An evaluation of each application will be undertakenby an advisory panel which will score the applicationagainst the scheme’s assessment / selection criteria.
Stage 2 - Full assessment and appraisal
Those Projects which are shortlisted will be notified in writing and will be requested to submit a full business plan and operating plan and any other documents which may be required such as trading accounts,costed specifications and designs/site plans. Site visits will be conducted and each project will then undergo a full assessment and economic appraisal against those assessment / selection criteria.
For more information and full details on the scheme please visit the website.