A four-year scheme that saw coastal tourism businesses in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire benefit from a number of grants has drawn to a close.

Overall, 148 tourism-related firms in the region were awarded grants of up to £5,000, while over 450 employees benefited from training and 295 companies received free business advice.

The Coastal Tourism Initiative (CTI) ran from 1 April 2000 to 1 April 2004, during which businesses were encouraged to apply for grants made available by Yorkshire Forward.

During the four years, a total of £443,000 in funding was awarded by the Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB), which generated nearly £1.5m of matching investment from the private sector.

David Andrews, spokesperson for YTB, said: “The work done here, to help businesses improve the quality of their product to meet ever increasing customer expectations, is already paying dividends for businesses in the coastal strip.”

The aims of the CTI included improving of crime prevention, enhancing the promotion and marketing of the industry and developing the coastal tourism product to match current customer needs.

CTI was supported by the Regional Development Agency, Scarborough Borough Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and a number of private sector representatives.