This month’s newsletter follows productive meetings held by the Tourism Industry Council and the English Destinations Forum, with the EDF securing record attendance rates. This newsletter also has updates on the Discover England Fund and the Seasonal Workers Apprenticeship Pilot.
Exmoor Ponies on the common at Molland, Devon.
English Destinations Forum
The second English Destinations Forum was held on Monday 21st November, with several very productive discussions and thoughtful presentations from core cities, heritage cities, rural, and coastal Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). The event had a record attendance from both DMOs and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), while Minister for Sport, Tourism & Heritage Tracey Crouch and Jacqui Ward from the Department for Communities and Local Government attended in the afternoon.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland.
Tourism Industry Council
The Tourism Industry Council was held on Wednesday 23rd November, chaired by Tracey Crouch, alongside industry co-chair Simon Vincent of Hilton Worldwide. It was also attended by Robin Walker, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union. The day was an opportunity for experts on the Tourism Industry Council to put forward evidence and priorities to both Robin Walker and Tracey Crouch on issues such as the labour force, access to the EU single market, aviation and EU funding - as well as the potential opportunities that lay ahead.
Bedruthan, Cornwall.
Seasonal Workers Apprenticeship Pilot
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) is running a pilot for businesses that want to employ apprentices that work on seasonal contracts. All tourism and hospitality businesses interested in participating, including those with a direct funding contract, or those without an existing arrangement with a training provider, should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Devon.
Discover England Fund update
VisitEngland have now announced all 21 successful applicants for round one funding from the £40 million Discover England Fund. Grants are being awarded to projects and organisations that help ensure that England stays competitive in the rapidly growing global tourism industry by offering world-class English tourism products to the right customers at the right time.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest for Round Two (larger two-year collaborative projects of a minimum value of £1m) closed at the end of October. There were a high number of Expressions of Interest and the applicants that will be invited to make full bids will be contacted in the coming weeks. Decisions on final projects will be made in spring 2017.
The Mendip Hills, Somerset.
The Great Place Scheme
A reminder that the deadline for full applications is 12 January 2017. We expect the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England to announce the 12 successful Places in the pilot phase of the Scheme by the end of March 2017. You can apply by visiting the Great Place Scheme website.
The Great British Food campaign
The Great British Food campaign is encouraging tourists to follow their tastebuds to discover exciting new British destinations. Follow their Instagram account for some delicious inspiration.
ONS Overseas Travel & Tourism
New figures for inbound visits and spend for September 2016 have been released. More information can be found here.
You can expect your next DCMS: Tourism Newsletter in January. In the meantime, you can keep up with us on the DCMS blog or through our social media accounts:
