Support schemes to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the tourism sector were announced on September 23, 2020, by the Falkland Islands Government.
A press briefing was held with the Chief Executive Barry Rowland, Director of Policy and Development Andrew Gaule, and MLA Mark Pollard who explained the schemes and took questions from press representatives.
The overall package of support has three main components across eleven schemes.
- An extension for existing Covid-19 support schemes for businesses and individuals. This will have an impact across the whole of the Falkland Islands economy, not just the tourism sector. There will be some amendments to the guidance to meet the specific needs of businesses and individuals working in the tourism industry.
- A domestic tourism incentive programme to help sustain revenues for tourism businesses during the difficult 2020/21 summer season, with the benefit of helping people who live in the Falklands to enjoy what the Islands have to offer.
- Measures to help the tourism industry prepare to bounce back in 2021/22 and beyond, including small grants and access to deferred loans for eligible businesses; infrastructure improvements; and feasibility studies for longer-term developments and capacity building.
This programme was broadcast on Falklands Radio on September 23, 2020.
