- Experience Development Programme 2021-2023 Guidelines
- Experience Development Programme 2020/2021 Guidelines
- A list of businesses in receipt of an offer for the Experience Development Programme 2020/21 can be found here.
- A list of businesses in receipt of an offer for the Experience Development Programme 2020/21 can be found here.
Contents
Capital Funding
For those seeking funding to advance tourism projects in Northern Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) provides financial support to businesses and organisations through the Tourism Development Scheme. Established under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, this scheme authorises Tourism NI to selectively offer financial assistance for a broad spectrum of tourism initiatives. Whether your project involves substantial capital investment or a smaller scale, innovative approach to enhancing visitor experiences, Tourism NI is committed to supporting growth and success within the tourism sector.
Open Tourism NI Funding Scheme
There are currently no funding programmes open at present
Previous Closed Programmes in Last 5 Years
Experience Development Programme (EDP)
In the last 5 years Tourism NI has undertaken two tranches of the Experience Development Programme (EDP) The programme was designed to provide financial assistance to tourism organisations to support them in creating experiences that embrace our giant spirit and stimulate demand for Northern Ireland tourism to the benefit of the wider economy.
Guidelines
Evaluation 2020-2021
Introduction
The Experience Development Programme (EDP) 2020–2021 was launched at a pivotal moment for tourism in Northern Ireland. Coming at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme was designed to support tourism businesses at a time when uncertainty was high, visitor numbers had collapsed, and investment plans were being paused or cancelled across the sector.
This overview highlights the success of the programme and explains how financial assistance supported tourism businesses to survive, adapt and grow while strengthening Northern Ireland’s overall tourism offer.
Context and Need
Before the pandemic, tourism in Northern Ireland was a £1bn industry supporting around 70,000 jobs. COVID-19 abruptly disrupted this progress, forcing closures, removing income streams and significantly reducing confidence to invest. At the same time, visitor expectations were shifting towards authentic, outdoor and experience-led tourism.
The Experience Development Programme responded directly to these challenges, enabling businesses to build back stronger through investment in distinctive, high-quality visitor experiences.
Programme Overview
The Experience Development Programme was a capital grant scheme supporting new tourism experiences and enhancements to existing attractions. Grants ranged from £5,000 to £200,000, with Tourism NI providing up to 80% funding for private and voluntary sector projects and up to 50% for public sector projects.
The programme focused on physical assets with long-term value and ensured all funded projects aligned with the Embrace a Giant Spirit brand.
Investment and Delivery
Across the programme lifecycle, around £7m of total project investment was delivered, supported by £4.45m in grant funding. The average grant rate of 64% significantly reduced financial risk for businesses, particularly during a period when access to commercial finance was extremely limited.
Programme Reach and Impact
The programme supported projects in 9 of Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, helping drive regional balance and dispersal. Over half of projects enhanced existing attractions, while the remainder delivered entirely new experiences.
By 2024, supported projects generated over 450,000 additional visitors per year, including more than 212,000 off-peak visitors. Businesses reported almost £29m in additional revenue over three years, equating to approximately £10.7m in net additional GVA after deadweight.
Employment Benefits
The programme supported the creation of over 100 full-time equivalent jobs (gross), with nearly 80 net additional jobs generated once deadweight was accounted for.
Business Feedback
Businesses reported extremely high levels of satisfaction, particularly with the level of financial support provided. Many stated clearly that their projects would not have proceeded at all, or would have been delayed or scaled back, without the programme.
Conclusion
The Experience Development Programme 2020–2021 demonstrates the value of targeted financial assistance for tourism projects. By unlocking investment during a period of exceptional challenge, the programme delivered long-lasting benefits for businesses, visitors and the wider Northern Ireland economy.
Web Development Programme
The Web Development Programme was an initiative aimed at supporting recovery and growth of Northern Ireland's Tourism sector. The program included a digital audit of the business and a web development plan with up to 80% funding on eligible costs. The initiative was important as the demand for independent booking arrangements has transformed, making online promotion and bookability essential for tourism businesses.
There were 3 tranches of the programme. You can view guidelines for each programme below:
Other Capital Schemes
COVID Recovery Kick Start 2021-2022
The COVID Recovery Kick Start Programme is a Business Improvement and Implementation Support Programme which will provide expert independent support directly to eligible businesses. You can view the guidelines here.
COVID Business and Financial Planning Support Programme 2021-22
This was one of a number of initiatives designed to support the Northern Ireland industry to rebuild, recover and compete in this changed environment – providing advisory support to assist in the development of business and financial recovery plans. You can view the guidelines here.
Digital Welcome Programme (Gateway Access Points) 2021-22
A capital grant programme to enhance the visitor experience and sense of welcome at Northern Ireland’s main Gateway Points through digital investment. Guidelines available here.
Northern Ireland Embrace A Giant Spirit - Programmes for brand aligned operators
The following programmes were open to operators at stage 3, 4 or 5 of Tourism NI’s Experience Development Framework. Information on the new experience brand Northern Ireland Embrace a Giant Spirit and how to engage with Tourism NI on this journey can be found here.
Experience Development Programme (Audio Equipment) 2020-21
The programme has now closed. It was designed to provide financial assistance to NIEAGS aligned operators to enable them to compete and meet the demands of the market through investment in audio equipment.
Strategic Partnership Grant Fund
To view the Guidelines for the Strategic Partnership Grant Fund please click here.
Website Improvement Programme 2019/2020
To view the Guidelines for the Website Improvement Programme please click here.
Immersive Technology Programme 2018/2019
To view the Guidelines for the Immersive Technology Programme please click here.
Information on the following is available on request from tds@tourismni.com
- Tourism Development Scheme 2011-13
- An overview of financially assisted projects 2008 to 2011