Lothian cash boost targets 'holidays at home'

TOURISM in East Lothian is set to receive a funding boost after council chiefs agreed to spend £150,000 to help promote "home-based" holidays.

The cash injection was announced as part of East Lothian Council's economic development programme for the coming year to support business development, tourism and other projects.

A council spokeswoman said: "In the current economic downtown, the weak pound makes overseas holidays more expensive, and there is an opportunity to encourage home-based tourism."

The council has also allocated £145,000 for key business development projects, such as the Business Gateway scheme.

Council economic spokesman Councillor Paul McLennan said: "The council is committed to working closely with its business partners in the various economic sectors to ensure that the budgets we allocate to support economic activity achieve the maximum effect. This is especially important during the current recession as we strive to protect jobs and maintain the quality of life in East Lothian."