Published on: 08 September 2021
The £800,000 COVID-19 Marine and Outdoor Tourism Restart Fund: Round Two is being delivered by VisitScotland (also the awarding body for this Fund), with development input from Sail Scotland and Wild Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The Fund is intended to provide support to marine and outdoor tourism businesses who have been significantly affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Round Two is to specifically support Scottish-based businesses in the marine and outdoor tourism sector that have faced hardship due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help keep them in business as they recommence operations.
Due to the complexity and breadth of businesses within the sector, a two-strand approach to grant funding is necessary to meet the needs of the sector. Businesses may only apply to one strand. The two strands are:
- Marine & Boating Tourism Operators
- Outdoor Wildlife, Adventure & Activity Sector Tourism Businesses
What are the key changes for Round two of the fund?
- A minimum of 40% of an applicant’s annual turnover must be related to tourism activity
- These activities must occur in Scotland
- Airborne activities are now included.
This money is part of the original £104.3 million Scottish Government funding package – no new money has been provided for funding.
Who can apply?
This Fund is aimed at responsible tourism operators in Scotland who provide a sustainable outdoor related activity to visitors on land, in the air or in the marine environment.
This will encompass a broad span of activity types from wildlife watching to charter, day boat trips, sailing holidays, bushcraft and survival, and activities such as canoeing, mountaineering, hot air ballooning and paragliding.
Take a look at the full criteria guidance document for more information on who can apply.
Please note: if a business applied for and was successful in Round One of this Fund, it will not be eligible for additional funding under Round Two.
If you have any queries about the Fund please contact marine&outdoorenquiries@visitscotland.com directly.
Photo credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam