Cotswolds Tourism has recently been successful in securing funding for 'Help to Thrive' through the latest round of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The project is aimed at helping local businesses to create new experiences and to learn to market them successfully online.

The first element is to identify businesses, whether or not they would be traditionally considered as tourism businesses, that could create engaging new experiences and help them to develop those ideas - for instance working with a cheese shop to offer a tasting experience that paired local cheeses with local wines.

The second element is then working with local businesses to show them how new (or existing) experiences can be brought to a wider audience by making them bookable online and explaining how to reach new audiences.

A range of specialist training workshops are planned for later this year to help businesses develop a bookable tourism experience, to access new markets, and learn about different booking platforms.

A bespoke one-to-one mentoring programme will also be available for a few businesses from each local authority area and people considering starting a visitor economy business for the first time will also be welcome to join the programme.

Three of the local authority areas across the Cotswolds have backed the project, meaning visitor economy businesses in Cotswold District, West Oxfordshire District and Tewkesbury Borough Council areas are all now eligible to see if they can get involved.

Businesses are being asked at this stage to complete a short questionnaire or email cotswoldstourism@cotswold.gov.uk  to register an interest.

Paul James, economic development lead at Cotswold District Council, said: "The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has already supported a number of exciting projects which are making a real difference across the Cotswold District.

"Tourism is a hugely important sector for us, and I'm delighted that we're able to work with Cotswolds Tourism to help businesses serving the visitor economy to succeed by adapting as consumer behaviour changes. I'd encourage businesses to make the most of the support that is available."

Andy Barge, assistant director for communities at West Oxfordshire, said: "This is a unique opportunity for visitor economy businesses or local town groups to come together to learn how to develop an immersive visitor experience and drive visitors to less well-known places around the region. We look forward to working closely with the Cotswolds Tourism team."

Andy Sanders, head of community and economic development at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "Alongside the training, businesses will be marketed and promoted by Cotswolds Tourism. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Tewkesbury Borough as the draw of the Cotswolds helps to drive visitors to the district. I encourage businesses to apply immediately as we expect this will be popular."