The Welsh Government is doubling down on its commitment to the tourism sector with a substantial new Weather Proofing Fund. This £1.75 million injection is designed to help small tourism and hospitality enterprises across Wales shield their guests and their profits from the elements. This second phase of the fund builds on the success of an initial scheme that helped major attractions. Now, the focus is shifting to smaller businesses that form the backbone of the Welsh visitor economy.
If you operate an eligible business, you can now apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 per project. This isn’t just about covering leaky roofs, it’s about extending your usable space and season.
Eligible investments include:
- Covered Outdoor Dining/Service Areas
- Outdoor Dining Pods
- Essential Surfacing and Drainage Improvements
The scheme targets established, small enterprises. To apply, your business must have been trading for at least one year and employ between 9 and 49 full-time employees. This applies to a wide range of businesses, including: accommodation providers, food and drink establishments, and recreational and outdoor activity providers. Dan-Yr-Ogof Showcaves, which benefitted from the first round of funding, used their grant to install a shelter for their land train and a roof over the ticket office queue. As co-owner Ashford Price put it, “On some days staying dry that little bit longer can be invaluable.” The new measures have brought “an extra dimension to what we can achieve” in terms of visitor comfort.
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, affirmed the government’s goals. “By investing in weather-proofing measures, we are supporting businesses to extend their trading opportunities, in turn attracting more visitors, improving experiences, and ultimately increasing stay and spend across Wales.”
This push ensures that the ‘Year of Croeso’ offers a truly warm, year-round welcome. The fund opens on 29th September and closes on 1pm 27th October 2025.
Further information is available at Funding | Supporting you | Industry Visit Wales – https://industry.visitwales.com/supporting-you/funding-information-and-advice-available-tourism-businesses
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