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One million pounds worth of grant funding to ensure tourism attractions across Wales can stay open come rain or shine is now available.

The Welsh Government announced the ‘Year of Croeso Weather-Proofing Fund’ will provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000, enabling venues to implement weather-proofing measures.

Despite the tourism industry contributing £3.8 billion into the Welsh economy each year, recent data from Visit Wales showed poor weather was cited by 55% of businesses as the reason for fewer visitors during the summer of 2024.

Similarly, the Domestic Sentiment Tracker survey identified UK weather as the top factor dissuading people from taking domestic breaks.

The grants could therefore cover a variety of measures like canopies, sustainable drainage, covered seating areas, visitor shelters or improved pathways and car park surfaces.

Announcing the fund, cabinet secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, said: “Naturally, Wales has an incredibly strong offer when it comes to tourism and our visitors can always be guaranteed a warm croeso.

“But as the weather, which has carved out our impressive landscapes throughout history, becomes more-and-more unpredictable, it has been identified as the single biggest factor affecting visitor numbers to Welsh attractions.

“Poor weather can stop them operating as normal, impact on the experience and has the potential to discourage visits in the first place.

“That’s why we have listened to the concerns of people working in the tourism attraction sector and launched this fund, helping them prepare for increasingly variable weather patterns.

“All visitors, wherever they come from, will discover a destination delivering a great experience and we are always helping build on and improve the offer in Wales.

“These grants will help our tourism attractions become more resilient, extend their season and improve the visitor experience, supporting both the businesses and the wider Welsh economy.”

To apply for the funding, you can visit the Welsh Government’s website.

The application deadline is Thursday May 22.