Time is running out for tourism businesses to apply for help in developing new products to help aid their recovery as a result of the health crisis .

A number of local councils have promised to match fund successful bids as part of a scheme in partnership with destination management organisation Visit Kent .

The Experience Development Programme is funded through the European Interreg Experience project to assist tourism businesses across the region to adapt and develop new tourism products.

But applications must be made by Monday, August 31, to meet the deadline.

Visit Kent chief executive, Deirdre Wells, said: “In light of the current Covid-19 crisis, the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry is having to drastically re-think how to rebuild demand and revenue streams.

"To survive and future-proof business, it’s crucial for organisations to rethink, adapt and develop new ideas for consumers who will be travelling differently, looking to reconnect with close family and friends to enjoy shared experiences in a safe and secure environment.”

The programme will work closely with organisations, supporting them as they adjust and diversify their product offer, encouraging collaboration with businesses both inside and outside of their sector, helping them to reach new audiences, and developing a year-round product to help recovery and resilience against future challenges.

Kent's tourism industry is worth an estimated £4bn a year and employs more than 60,000 people.

Cllr Jenny Webb, deputy portfolio holder for culture, tourism and leisure at Ashford Borough Council , said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the borough’s tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses to access funding to help them bring new products to market. If there’s something you have always wanted to do but needed a bit of assistance with, now is the time to apply. I know that many of these businesses have really struggled with the enforced closures so hopefully this project has come at the perfect time to aid recovery.”

Visit Kent is looking to work with 125 eligible organisations, each of whom will receive a range of support to build and launch their new products.

Ashford gh Council is one of ten organisations to have committed to match fund the Visit Kent and Kent Downs AONB budgets for the Interreg Experience project, alongside Kent County Council, Medway Council and districts including Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Gravesham, Thanet and Tunbridge Wells.

To find out more visit here .

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