Wales, known for its cloudy, wet, and windy climate, is launching a “weather prevention” grant scheme to support tourist attractions with funding of up to £20,000 from the Welsh government. This initiative responds to data indicating that 55% of tourism businesses cited bad weather as a reason for decreased visitors last summer. With tourism contributing £3.8 billion annually to the Welsh economy, the scheme aims to help attractions invest in improvements like canopies and visitor shelters due to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
The program will run until 2026, providing grants of £5,000 to £20,000 to certified visitor attractions, including small and medium-sized businesses. Attractions such as Swansea’s Dan Ia Ogoff cave system and Penicaaine Restaurant are eager to apply for grants to enhance visitor experiences despite the weather. Some business owners emphasized the importance of making outdoor spaces enjoyable for guests, even in rain.
However, economists from Bangor University express skepticism about whether the £1 million fund will significantly impact the industry. Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for tourism, noted that the fund was established in response to industry concerns about fluctuating weather negatively affecting visitation. She highlighted its potential to extend the tourism season and help businesses adapt.
Source link
