The Department of Economic Development and Tourism has launched a R5 million Growth for Jobs Tourism Challenge Fund, and has requested organisations implementing tourism development projects to apply for funding.
The MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger says while the tourism and hospitality sector was hit hard by the COVID pandemic, it has seen a remarkable recovery over the last year, with international arrivals reaching 100% of their 2019 figures in February this year.
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She says to enable future growth, the barriers that stand in the way of the sector has to be removed, supporting small businesses to add new experiences, while investing in infrastructure.
“An important aspect of this fund is that it challenges the tourism ecosystem to co-invest as partners, to ensure that we get maximum impact with the resources we have available. Partnering with the private sector is essential if we are to achieve much higher levels of economic growth in the province”.
The first category of the fund will support regional and local tourism organisations, industry associations and district and local authorities to enhance high volume tourism attractions through tourism infrastructure development or upgrades and/ or place making/ beautification activities.
“Tourism infrastructure upgrade means the enhancement or development of any existing or new infrastructure required to ensure that tourists can visit attractions and experiences in a safe, clean, comfortable and accessible manner. Examples of tourism infrastructure include trails, walkways, signage, street furniture, public lighting, public toilets, shelters, hides and more.”
The second category of the support is to provide financial support to enhance and/or expand collaborative programmes and projects aimed at assisting SMMEs with tourism product development.
“This includes product/and/or experience development, helping with access to funders, marketing and branding, and provision of bespoke support such as machinery, equipment, licenses, and accreditation to name a few. The fund will prioritise private sector initiatives aimed at stimulating high yield forms of tourism including in Halal, adventure, gastronomy, heritage and sustainable tourism.”
Interested businesses/organisations have until Monday, 22 May 2023, at midnight to submit their online applications.
Further information on the application process can be accessed HERE.
