A PIONEERING scheme -- backed by the European Regional Development Fund -- is helping Bolton businesses tackle a growing tourism market.

The Bolton Better Tourism Business Initiative recognises that many small and medium-sized enterprises in this sector need help if they are to prosper.

Tourism in Bolton might have sounded like a joke at one time, but not any more.

Major developments such as the Reebok complex have helped put the town on the map and increase the demand for accommodation and places to go.

Visitors can choose top hotels such as the Last Drop, the Moat house and the new De Vere Whites at the Reebok.

But some prefer to stay in cheaper accommodation such as guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments.

BBTBI is supporting these businesses and others involved in conference venues, crafts outlets, visitor attractions, restaurants, retail outlets, theatres and guides.

It is run by Bolton Council's Tourism & Promotions Manager, Geoffrey Bennette and Initiative Co-ordinator Janet Hughes.

Mr Bennette says: "Tourism and culture is a high growth area in Bolton."

He notes that the figure of nearly 3,000 available visitor beds in the town contrasts sharply with the 1,250 on offer when he started his job in 1992.

Subsidised

The number of establishments in this market has grown from about 30 to 40 in that time and more could follow.

"The figures suggest that more people want to stay in Bolton and visit Bolton," Mr Bennette said.

The Initiative, which runs until the end of December, 2001, provides businesses with free or heavily subsidised help and advice.

Tourism sector firms may be eligible for up to 75 per cent of the cost of the purchase of ICT equipment or for financial support towards training courses.

Also, accommodation providers in Bolton can receive financial help if they wish to take part in the new national accommodation grading scheme which replaces those previously managed by the AA, RAC and English Tourism Council.

BBTBI provides up to 75 per cent of first year inspection costs, 50 per cent of second year costs and 25 per cent of third year costs.

Janet, who lives in Walkden, has worked at Bolton Council for three years and previously had spells in the Environment and Commercial Services departments.

At the moment she is working with more than 100 businesses in the borough.

"It is going really well," she said.

"We have 10 or 11 interested in the training, 17 looking at computers and about 10 are interested in grading."

Many are keen to upgrade facilities to meet ever increasing demands for higher standards. The BBTBI team works closely with the council's Enterprise Services department to help and advise businesses right from start-up.

A formal network is being created for those taking part and relevant tourism forums next year are likely to cover the latest disability legislation and local opportunities arising from the 2002 Commonwealth Games to be held in Manchester. Cycling events are being held in Rivington and the new Bolton Arena -- currently under construction at Middlebrook -- will house the badminton competition.

Thousands of people from all over the world will have a taste of Bolton.

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton's Cabinet Member for Culture, said: "This initiative offers a tremendous opportunity for local tourism/cultural sector businesses to be given direct support and guidance, enabling them to improve both their overall performance and profitability.

"It will certainly enhance Bolton's growing role as a visitor destination."

Janet Hughes, who is based at the Department of Leisure Services in The Wellsprings, Bolton, can be contacted on 01204 334057 Geoffrey Bennette and Janet Hughes -- pictured on the Bolton Better Tourism Business Initiative stand at last month's Business Voice exhibition at the Reebok