New Tay Cities Region Deal funding for travel and tourism businesses

Traveltech for Scotland is launching a pioneering technology initiative to support travel and tourism businesses across North East Fife, Angus, Dundee, and Perth and Kinross.

The initiative, funded through the Tay Cities Region Deal Digital Skills Project, aims to assist up to 20 businesses, each receiving technology support valued at up to £2,000. The six-month pilot will see Traveltech for Scotland partnering with local technology experts to help businesses identify and implement the most suitable technology solutions.

The programme offers up to £30,000 in small grants for travel and tourism businesses within the Tay Cities Region. These grants will enable businesses to test new technological solutions, addressing current challenges such as staff shortages and escalating costs.

Traveltech for Scotland is an industry-driven technology initiative headquartered at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Their goal is to speed up the adoption of technology within Scotland's tourism sector. By offering both funding and hands-on assistance, the programme seeks to showcase the potential of emerging technologies. It also aims to promote collaboration between businesses and tech providers in the Tay Cities region.

The objective of this pilot is to provide immediate benefits to regional businesses while creating a blueprint for nationwide implementation. The organisation has aspirations of increasing technology adoption among tourism organisations and positioning Scotland as a global frontrunner in travel technology innovation.

Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director of Traveltech for Scotland, commented: "This trial offers an unparalleled chance for tourism businesses to engage with emerging technologies directly. By experimenting with the latest in AI, automation, and other tailored solutions, firms can discern which innovations will enhance productivity, reduce expenses, and elevate the customer experience before making a full investment. This initiative positions the Tay Cities region at the forefront of intelligent tech adoption, simultaneously providing a platform for tech companies to fine-tune their products based on genuine business feedback and insights."

Councillor Grant Laing, Chair of the Tay Cities Region Deal Joint Committee, said: “Tourism is hugely important sector across the Tay Cities Region that supports businesses and employment. These grants will help our travel and tourism sector adopt new technology to help them thrive in years to come.

“This fund will help around 20 businesses across the area and I look forward to seeing some of the innovative projects that are developed because of these grants.”

Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council, Spokesperson - Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, said: “As part of the Tay Cities Region Deal we are committed to supporting our travel and tourism businesses across the region to thrive. These grants will enable businesses to test new technological solutions and help meet current challenges. I encourage local businesses to apply for funding to take advantage of, and realise, the opportunities available. This is just one of the initiatives forged by the Tay Cities Region Deal to develop business innovation and help drive inclusive growth.”

Businesses and tourism organisations can apply to join programme here: https://u9z6gokjq00.typeform.com/to/M66dRIMW