The North York Moors National Park Authority is offering grants to tourism businesses, and voluntary and collaborative groups, to support projects which will raise the profile of the North York Moors area and highlight its special qualities.
What is the Local Business Tourism Contribution?
As a result of the development of the Woodsmith Mine near Whitby, a s106 agreement has been secured to provide compensation and mitigation against any negative impacts on the tourism economy of the North York Moors. One of these contributions is a fund to support local tourism businesses to develop new products and services that showcase the North York Moors and its special qualities.
What types of project does the funding support?
Priority will be given to exceptional and innovative ideas rather than simply the production of standard print material, for example. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Develop a new event that brings in a new audience to the North York Moors or encourages them to stay longer
- Activity that encourages tourists to visit or stay in the North York Moors during the shoulder seasons – e.g. develop a dark skies experience (Astrotourism)
- Develop a nature-based experience that enables visitors to actively learn about local wildlife and habitats through engagement and activities.
- Integrated and innovative marketing campaigns that attract new or underrepresented audiences
Projects must contribute to all of the following priorities:
- Increase awareness of the North York Moors National Park and/or the wider North York Moors area
- Use the area's local distinctiveness and special qualities for the benefit of visitors
- Ensure that project supports regenerative tourism principles, ie. tourism that gives back more than it takes. For example, activities:
- Must leave the place better than before, be it improving the area's tranquillity or the natural and historic environment
- Support the development of inclusive tourism
- Align with National Park messaging i.e. support local food producers, promote active travel and public transport, Share with Care messaging
- Support businesses to become cycling, walking, dark skies, and nature friendly businesses and create unique experiences around the schemes
- Allow visitors to contribute positively to the local community (by economic, social or environmental means) - Should support the Strategy for a Sustainable Future set out by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The following should be considered but is not limited to:
- Should include green/eco products where possible and avoid single use plastics
- Reduce waste diverted to landfill/incineration by reducing, reusing, recycling or testing examples of the circular economy where resources are used again and again, eliminating waste
- If installing new appliances and facilities, incorporate energy efficient solutions where possible
- Reduce food waste: think seasonally; purchase locally; increase meat free menu options
- Reduce transport carbon emissions; promote cycling and walking activities for visitors; increase awareness of public transport use and/or car sharing options - Demonstrate that it benefits health and wellbeing for visitors in line with our Management Plan objective
We will NOT fund a one-off event or project; it must have a life beyond the funding period.
What kind of project does the funding support?
The North York Moors Tourism Network is working with businesses to support our regenerative tourism aims, including developing more resilient rural businesses. Current focus areas include celebrating local distinctiveness and helping visitors connect with the place through visitor-giving and promoting links between landscape management, farming and sustainable food production. Therefore priority will be given to those that have joined and are participating actively in the North York Moors Tourism Network.
The contribution is open to individuals, businesses, and other organisations, with priority given to collaborative projects, which will benefit the area as a whole, and those with wider community gains.
Particular focus is given to nature-based experiences that encourage visitors to actively engage with and learn about local wildlife and habitats, alongside outdoor activities supported through our activity friendly schemes. Accommodation providers, retailers, activity specialists and hospitality businesses can all join to become cycling, dark skies, nature or walking friendly. Considerations could include wildlife watching/dark sky equipment, installing drying facilities, secure bike lockers. This excludes the purchase of standard bikes for hire but can include e-bikes, where they will serve markets not currently catered for.
Priority will be given to exceptional and innovative ideas, rather than simply the production of standard print material.
Eligibility
- Applications must only include activity which is considered 'new' i.e. working with new partners, targeting new markets, developing new products/packages or new business start-ups.
- Projects must be within the North York Moors, Hills and Coast area (pdf) (matching the geographic area of a LEADER Programme 2008-2013). If you are located outside the National Park boundary (but within the North York Moors, Hills and Coast area), you must be able to demonstrate clear links to the North York Moors and show that your project will have a positive impact upon the National Park. Note funding is aimed at rural businesses - Scarborough town falls outside the North York Moors, Hills and Coast area and is NOT eligible.
- Your project must meet all the eligibility priorities stated above
- Projects will be funded between 50% and 70%, with collaborations and the voluntary sector attracting higher awards
- Awards will not generally exceed £10,000
Applying for the grant
The deadline to claim for completed projects is 31 March 2027. Applications will be considered throughout the year. However, applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis and, as the fund is limited, you are strongly advised to submit your form as early as possible.
Please contact our Community Engagement Officer via email for an informal discussion about your application.
For all cycling related applications please contact our Cycling Development Manager via email.
If your project is eligible, you will be provided with the application form and further guidance.