Tourism firms are being given a kickstart to help reopening their businesses as the country emerges from lockdown.

Bosses can get help with new product ideas to welcome back visitors and tourists to attractions in a multi-million project open to venues throughout Kent.

Councils have signed up to a Kent-wide scheme backed by Kent County Council (KCC) and Visit Kent, the county’s tourism board.

The tourism industry is valued at being worth £4bn annually to Kent.

The Experience Development Programme aims to give attractions help by bringing in businesses from various sectors to develop “new tourism products” as the economy attemps to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visit Kent is aiming to work with 125 businesses eligible to help them adjust and make their visitor experiences more varied.

Organisations and attractions will get a range of support to launch their new products from specialist tailored consultancy and planning, new photography and marketing campaigns as well as market testing and sales with the travel industry.

The programme is part funded by the EU-backed Interreg Experience project.

Visit Kent chief executive Deidre Wells said: “It’s crucial for organisations to develop new ideas for consumers who will be travelling differently, looking to reconnect with close family and friends to enjoy shared experiences in a safe and secure environment."

Gravesham council is one of 10 organisations to join the scheme in Kent – including Visit Kent, KCC and the Kent Downs AONB.

Medway Council and local authorities in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Thanet and Tunbridge Wells are all part of the scheme.

Each authority will put additional funding into the project, which is set to be worth £6,000 for each firm to sign up.

In Gravesham, the industry is worth an estimated £110m to the borough's economy each year with 2,500 supported through tourism.

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham council cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “Our tourism businesses have been hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 restrictions.

“Any help to get them back on their feet is welcome, which is why we had no hesitation in supporting this important project.

“I would encourage any tourism-related business in the Borough with an idea they believe could receive support from this programme to find out more and apply.”

For more visit www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk/about-us/european-funding/experience/

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent

Read more: All the latest news from Kent