The government has launched a new funding initiative aimed at boosting cultural tourism in England.

The new Cultural Destinations scheme will offer grants between £250,000 and £350,000 to projects that look to develop cultural offerings and attract tourism on a local level.

Arts Council England (ACE) is investing £3m into the programme, which will run from March 2014 for a maximum of three years.

Cultural Destinations looks to develop new arts events and festivals; holiday packages and cultural experiences; as well as training, audience and visitor research and familiarisation visits.

ACE will operate the fund in partnership with Visit England and up to 15 consortia could benefit from it.

Minister for Tourism Hugh Robertson said: "The arts are one of this country's greatest assets, attracting visitors from near and far.

"This partnership will provide a boost for local arts organisations, help the tourism sector build on 2012 and make a strong contribution to economic growth."

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey added: "Bringing together the culture and tourism sectors in a scheme like this is an inspired concept.

"Thousands of brilliant cultural events are staged in cities, towns and villages across the UK each year and this fund will be instrumental in promoting them to the 26 million overseas tourists who visit England annually, and the 104 million Britons who venture out on 'staycations' each year.

"Our fantastic cultural sector is one of the top reasons why tourists choose to holiday here, and is a key element in attracting the £97bn contribution that tourism makes to the British economy each year."

For information on how to apply for funding through the scheme, click here.