Businesses in the tourism sector that have suffered significant losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now receive up to EUR 800 000 in direct grants from the Norwegian government.

The Norwegian tourism sector provides economic growth and employment all over the country. Stringent travel restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in the loss of customers and have led to large revenue losses in the sector.

Eligible businesses operating within the tourism sector, who can document a significant loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic, can now receive grants under the approved scheme. The scheme has a budget of NOK 250 million and the maximum aid for each undertaking is EUR 800 000. The measure aims at ensuring access to liquidity for businesses facing a sudden shortage of liquidity due to the impact on the economy of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norway notified the proposal on 4 July 2020. ESA has now approved the measure.

You can read ESA’s decision here.