Business

Grant support scheme opens for Covid-hit travel agents

A grant support scheme for travel agents has opened for applications.
A grant support scheme for travel agents has opened for applications. A grant support scheme for travel agents has opened for applications.

A GRANT support scheme for travel agents in the north has now opened one year on from the introduction of the Covid-19 lockdown.

The £1.175 million Travel Agents (Coronavirus) Financial Assistance Scheme offers a one-off lump sum of £10,000 for travel agents operating from commercial premises.

A one-off single payment of £3,500 is available for self-employed travel agents working from home.

Operated by the Executive Office, the scheme will pay out for each premises owned by a travel company.

The scheme for home-workers is open for self-employed travel agents with a commercial agreement with a parent company that has its own company registration, trade body membership and ATOL licence.

Claimants to both grants must have have been operating from March 5 2020 to March 12 2021 and intend to continue trading. They must also demonstrate that they have suffered financial hardship as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus.

The scheme will remain open until 5pm on Friday March 26, with all supporting evidence to be provided by 5pm on March 28.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I am very pleased that the support scheme for travel agents announced by The Executive last week, is now open for applications. I would urge all eligible businesses to make sure their application is submitted before the set deadline.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added: “This scheme will help alleviate the financial pressures being felt by travel agents as a result of the pandemic. This is a time limited scheme and I would encourage eligible businesses to ensure they apply before the closing date.”

For more information on how to apply visit here.