Running from Feb 05 until June 06, the second phase of the European-funded 'HIE Activity' scheme is well underway and businesses within the activity and cultural based tourism sectors are encouraged to consider applying for assistance.  Start-up and existing businesses may be eligible for support with activities ranging from adventure-based to more passive or cultural pursuits such as visual arts, events and festivals.

HIE has a distinctive role in tourism development, providing one-to-one support to tourism businesses, whilst contributing to and influencing national strategy and policy on tourism.  The 'HIE Activity' programmes were established to encourage businesses in the activity holiday, visitor attractions and the events sectors to enhance quality, through more targeted, niche tourism product development and marketing.

The original 'HIE Activity' scheme supported 179 cases between 2001 and 2003, injecting over £2.5 million into tourism throughout the Highlands and Islands, with 84 per cent of projects assisted out with the Moray Firth area.  'HIE Activity 2' seeks to stimulate further private sector investment in the expanding activity tourism sector, and accelerate improvements in product quality and overall industry competitiveness. 

Some of the projects supported through the first phase of 'HIE Activity' included the strategically important Aviemore tourism re-development, 32 events and festivals, with major events including the Hebridean Celtic Festival and the Mountain Bike World Cup held in Lochaber, also projects in Argyll and its islands, Lochaber, the Western Isles and Shetland.          

'HIE Activity 2' will build on the success of the first phase of 'HIE Activity', assisting similar types of business.  In addition the scheme will allow significant investments to be made in preparation for Highland 2007 by focussing on cultural tourism. 

For more information:

• Highlands & Islands Enterprise