Connected Destinations Fund 2026

VisitEngland’s Connected Destinations Fund opens for applications 

The £3.38 million Connected Destinations Fund (CDF) is open for applications today, 18 September and closes on 5 October.

This three-year programme funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and led by VisitEngland, invites lead Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) to apply to the fund by submitting their applications through the VisitBritain and VisitEngland Grants Portal.

Lead LVEP applicants, when identified by each project partnership, should register on the Portal by 25 September 2026.

 An information session may be organised thereafter to provide LVEP applicants with practical help and advice on using the Grants Portal.

The prospectus detailing the programme’s scope, timelines and assessment criteria is available in PDF on this page. 

The Fund supports regional growth with cross-regional partnerships led by LVEPs, working with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, local authorities and industry partners as they come together to create stronger visitor experiences and drive sustainable tourism 

Many visitors both domestic and international, want to explore beyond England’s traditional gateways and boundaries and the Connected Destinations Fund will support clusters of LVEPs working collaboratively to develop bookable experiences, with compelling regional propositions creating more connected visitor journeys.

LVEPs will be encouraged to use VisitBritain/VisitEngland industry research and insights to inform cross-regional product propositions.

Over the next three years, £3.38 million will be invested in projects that support visitors to stay longer, spend more and further discover England. In the financial 2026/27, the first year of the Fund, approximately £800,000 will be available, with grants of up to £200,000 to be awarded.

By championing collaborative projects across city, coastal and rural and destinations, the Fund will support regional ambitions on destination development, connectivity, product enhancement and visitor dispersal and also create stronger regional visitor economies attracting further future investment.

Key dates:

• 18 September – 5 October 2026: Applications open
• Week commencing 26 October: lead LVEPs informed of decisions
• 31 March 2027: Deadline for the completion of project activities 

VisitEngland will provide guidance, market intelligence and support throughout the application process, and we look forward to working with colleagues and destinations to bring this exciting new programme to life.

For further information please email [email protected]