Covid-19: Eligible businesses can apply for Tourism Relief Fund

The Department of Tourism encourages eligible businesses to apply for the Covid-19 Tourism Relief Fund.

The fund has been established to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector. As such, the R200-million Tourism Relief Fund will provide a once-off capped grant to small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) to ensure sustainability during the lockdown period and after. Applications will be open from 7 April to 30 May.

Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said, “We acknowledge the difficulties experienced by businesses during this time, hence the need to support the industry and communities to cope with the negative effects of this pandemic.

“Our tourism industry is comprised of mainly SMMEs, most of which are survivalists in nature, with limited access to funding from commercial institutions. We hope the support offered through the Tourism Relief Fund will assure the continued survival of SMMEs beyond the Covid–19 pandemic.”

The grants will be capped at R50 000 per entity and can be utilised to subsidise expenses towards fixed costs, operational costs, supplies and other pressure cost items. Companies which meet the qualifying criteria will be given preference and a panel of experts will conduct the final evaluation in terms of functionality.

The Tourism Relief Fund will be administered in line with the objectives of economic transformation and the funds will be dispersed across the nine provinces.

Categories eligible to apply for the Tourism Relief Fund include the following:

• Accommodation establishments: Hotels; resort properties; bed and breakfasts (B&Bs); guesthouses; lodges and backpackers.
• Hospitality and related services: Restaurants (not attached to hotels); conference venues (not attached to hotels), professional catering; and attractions
• Travel and related services: Tour operators; travel agents; tourist guiding; car rental companies; and coach operators.

Visit the Department of Tourism’s website www.tourism.gov.za for comprehensive information on the fund terms and qualifying criteria.

SMMEs can submit funding applications by completing a form accessible online at www.tourism.gov.za/Pages/COVID19tourismrelieffund.aspx

Inquiries on the fund can be emailed to callcentre@tourism.gov.za or covidrelief@tourism.gov.za

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