Although all present funding has been allocated, you are still welcome to submit your Expression of Interest should further funding become available.
South West Tourism are leading on the Sustainable Rural Tourism investment under the Rural Development Programme for England for the South West Regional Development Agency who are the managing authority.
Sustainable Rural Tourism is a strategic investment theme and is not available to individual businesses. The aim of the investment is to invest in approximately six projects which have a high visitor impact and have a low impact on the environment and are low in carbon. The projects centre on the environment and heritage. The projects are pan regional and have a strong benefit to the rural economy and land based businesses.
This investment is from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas and DEFRA.
The RDPE Sustainable Tourism programme has a number of key aims designed to increase the total value of this spend and ensure that as much as possible is kept within local rural businesses and communities. It will support the improvement of the quality of the overall experience, through maintaining and developing the natural environment.
Total budget: £12,820,000
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: £6,500,000
Rest of Region (RoR): £6,320,000
The budget is made up of both capital and revenue investment.
The aim of RDPE is to support the creation of genuinely sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors, whilst also bringing wider benefits for the economy, the environment and rural communities. The Rural Development Regulation is structured around three ‘axis' for rural development:
Axis 1 - Improving competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sectors
Axis 2 - Improving the environment and the countryside
Axis 3 - Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity.
As the regional strategic lead for tourism, South West Tourism are delivering the Sustainable Rural Tourism theme, which falls under falls under Axis 3.
Following consultation with the industry and partners, three investment targets were identified: Access, Culture and Education. For further details on eligibility, funding and the delivery process please refer to the Guidance Notes. Click Here to view.
The RDPE Sustainable Rural Tourism Steering Group recently met to review all the Expressions of Interests received within the South West. Competition was extremely high, with 53 projects applying for £40m of investment from a pot of just £12.8m.
As a result of the meeting, six projects have been encouraged to the full application stage. This does not mean that anyone has been rejected; all projects are still able to apply.
To view a document highlighting the projects which have been encouraged, click here.
Stage One - Expressions of Interest (refer to pg 7 in the Guidance Notes)
Stage Two - Review of Proposals (refer to pg 7 in the Guidance Notes)
Stage Three - Full Application (refer to Pg 8 in the Guidance Notes)
To view the process timetable for those who have submitted an Expression of Interest click here.
Expressions of interest can still be submitted to South West Tourism.
For further details, please contact:
Annette Cole
Head of Research & Development
acole@swtourism.co.uk
Tel: (01392) 353 229
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South West Tourism,
Sterling House,
Dix's Field,
Exeter EX1 1QA
Email: post@swtourism.org.uk
