Plans to introduce a number of green tourism projects on the Norfolk Broads have received a €500,000 (£434,384) funding boost by the European Union (EU).

The Broads Authority will launch a new tourism website at the end of the month as a result of the funding, while a range of other initiatives are also in line to net a share of the funding. Improvements to interpretation and visitor facilities between Ludham Bridge and How Hill; the introduction of a new conservation fund; and an increase in the number of waterway electricity charging points are among the projects mooted.

The funding has been made available by the Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks (STEP) initiative, part of the European Regional Development Fund's wider Interreg Two Seas programme. Ian Russell, chair of the Broads Tourism Forum, said: "Funding of this type presents a range of wonderful opportunities to deliver new initiatives which will help Broads tourism businesses and improve the visitor experience."

The Broads Authority head of tourism Bruce Hanson said: "It provides a great boost for sustainable tourism in the Broads and we are particularly pleased to be working very closely with the Broads Tourism Forum to achieve our aims." As part of the STEP project, the Broads will also be working along with the Biesbosch National Park in Holland and a protected area around Kruibeke in Belgium's Schelde Estuary.

Image: Natural England/Dougall McNeill