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<p>We recognise that waterways businesses have been severely impacted by the current
crisis. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department for Food,
Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to assess how we can most effectively support
heritage and tourism on inland waterways following COVID-19.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Waterways
businesses and workers can access the Government’s comprehensive economic support
package, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Bounce Back Loans
scheme. The £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package will give small businesses in
tourist destinations grants of up to £5,000 to help them adapt their businesses following
COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p>Through the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and its working groups,
we have developed COVID-secure guidance which will help heritage and tourism businesses
reopen safely.</p><p> </p><p>VisitBritain have also introduced an industry standard
quality mark that tourism businesses - including those associated with waterways -
can acquire if they are compliant with COVID-secure guidance.</p><p> </p><p>The £45m
Discover England Fund encourages visitors to enjoy the West Midlands’ diverse waterways,
including the Trent & Mersey Canal in Lichfield.</p><p> </p>
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