Connected Destinations Fund (Year 1) 2026-2029
The Connected Destinations Fund is a £3.38 million programme over the three-year period 2026-2029 to support tourism destinations develop new products across England. The programme, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and led by VisitEngland, encourages Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) and destinations working with Mayoral Stratgeic Authorities, local authorities and industry partners, develop bookable experiences with compelling regional propositions creating more connected visitor journeys. The Fund supports regional growth with cross-regional partnerships led by England's LVEPs. This call for applications relates to the award of grants for new projects in the first year of the programme, 2026/27.
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Summary
The Connected Destinations Fund is a new £3.38 million programme supporting tourism destinations to develop new tourism products across England.
The three-year programme, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and led by VisitEngland, will see Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) and destinations come together to create stronger visitors experiences and drive sustainable tourism growth across England. Prospective grant applicants must be an accredited LVEP to apply.
The programme supports regional growth with cross-regional partnerships led by LVEPs, working with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, local authorities and industry partners.
Domestic and international visitors want to explore beyond England's traditional gateways and boundaries and the Connected Destinations Fund will support clusters of LVEPs working collaboratively to develop bookable experiences with compelling regional propositions creating more connected visitor journeys.
LVEPs are encouraged to refer to VisitBritain/VisitEngland's industry research and insights to inform cross-regional product propositions.
Over the next three years to 31 March 2029, £3.38 million is being invested in projects which will support visitors to stay longer, spend more and further discover England. In 2026/27, the first year of the Fund, approximately £800,000 will be available, with grants of up to £200,000 to be awarded.
By supporting collaborative projects across city, coastal and rural destinations, the Fund will support regional ambitions on destination development, connectivity, product development and visitor dispersal, and also create stronger regional visitor economies attracting further future investment.
VisitEngland will provide guidance, market intelligence and support throughout the application process, and we look forward to working with colleagues and destinations to bring this exciting new programme to life.
Eligibility
The Connected Destinations Fund 2026-2029 is only available to the network of 38 Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) accredited by VisitEngland.
Objectives
By strengthening regional collaboration and creating market-ready tourism products, the Connected Destinations Fund 2026-2029 aims to increase visitor dispersal, encourage longer stays, grow visitor spend and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more widely across England.
Dates
Prospective LVEP grant applicants are advised to register on the VisitBritain/VisitEngland Grants Portal, if they have not already done so in the past, no later than 25 September 2026.
The deadline for completed applications to be submitted in the Grants Portal is 11.59am on 5 October 2026.
VisitEngland expects to inform LVEP applicants about the status of their application, following a meeting of the Grants Awards Panel, in week commencing 26 October 2026.
Grant funding agreements to successful LVEP applicants will be issued by mid-November 2026.
The deadline for the completion of Year 1 project activities is 31 March 2027.
How to apply
All applicants must follow the prospectus guidance which you can find on the VisitBritain/VisitEngland corporate website: https://www.visitbritain.org/connected-destinations-fund
Applicants must first register on the VisitBritain/ VisitEngland Grants Portal so that they can apply.