Funding scheme for attractions and events sector launches

Wednesday 06 January 2021

Long-awaited support funding for events and attraction providers, who have seen their income drop by 50% or more due to the pandemic, has finally launched.

Applications are now open for the Government's new Visitor Attractions and Events Support Scheme, under which qualifying businesses will be eligible for a subsidy that meets up to 80% of their designated fixed costs incurred over the winter period, from October 2020 to the end of April 2021.

The eligibility requirements include the following. 

• Having suffered a detriment of 50% to their turnover as a result of public health restrictions.
• Having a minimum turnover of £300,000.
• Being registered for GST purposes.
• Having tried to borrow to support themselves, either through commercial lenders, or through the Businesses Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme.
• Having completed a Jersey Business Health Check.

“The covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the ability of various industries to operate, with events and visitor attractions experiencing some of the most serious disruption and challenges because of the nature of their work," Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham, said.

“This scheme focuses on preserving those businesses that play a key role in underpinning our hospitality and tourism sectors. These include Jersey’s core visitor attractions and the companies that provide the specialist equipment and expertise that is essential to operate the larger scale events.

“Given the continuously changing circumstances, the scheme will be kept under review. We need to support these businesses now so that we maintain a viable visitor economy infrastructure for the future.”

The announcement that applications are now open for the scheme marks the end of a long wait for events and attraction providers.

In early December, devastated events providers urgently called on the Government to release its plans for financial support to ensure it the sector can survive in 2021, telling Express that they were the first to be hit by the pandemic, and will potentially be the last to return to 'business as usual'.

CLICK HERE for more information on the scheme and how to apply.