This is a new £1 million grant scheme launched by online accommodation platform airbnb.
It offers grants of up to £100,000 to help small businesses, social enterprises, charities and cultural organisations attract more visitors around the UK.
They recognise that rising costs and competition from other destinations means that 1 in 3 hospitality businesses are operating at a loss. With the closure of local businesses, the things that make British towns, cities and villages so special are at risk of being lost. This could be an historic home, an unusual stay, a local festival, a breathtaking outdoor adventure or the best place to get a world-class meal - anything that makes a British holidays unforgettable.
Eligible projects should fall into at least one of the following categories:
- Nature & Outdoors – submissions that encourage visitors to get outside and explore the very best of UK's rich and diverse landscape
- Food & Dining – submissions that showcase the best of UK food culture, from pubs and street food to world- class cuisine.
- Music & Arts – submissions that shine a light on UK's global creative influence, from local festivals and theatre to iconic cultural stories.
- Culture & Heritage – submissions which protect, restore or celebrate UK's rich history and traditions.
The Fund's specific purpose is to support UK organisations turn local traditions into even more attractive experiences.