Economic Sector Support: Tourism Growth Fund

Tourism Growth Fund 

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is requesting organisations implementing tourism development projects or programmes in the categories of Tourism Infrastructure Support and Tourism Product Development Support to apply for project funding via the Tourism Growth Fund.

The Fund will provide financial support to development programmes and projects that benefit Western Cape-based tourism attractions and businesses. The programmes and projects for which financial support is sought must have the propensity to develop tourism attractions and experiences to enable them to grow and create jobs. The Fund challenges those involved in the tourism ecosystem - both public and private - to co-invest in high impact attractions and experiences to offer a more compelling reason to visit the Western Cape and its districts.

The Fund will provide co-funding to:

a) Collaborative initiatives that enhance high volume tourism attractions through tourism infrastructure development/upgrading and/or place-making/beautification interventions; and/or

b) Collaborative initiatives of tourism organisations working with tourism enterprises to enable businesses to enhance and expand their tourism offerings in areas with high growth potential.

A total of R4 million is available in 2024 for disbursement to successful applicants.

The Fund is subject to budget availabilty. Although it is an open fund, it is in the best interest of the applicant to submit funding applications as soon as possible.

Applications received will be evaluated on a monthly basis against the evaluation criteria. All applicants to the fund will be informed of the outcome of their application.

The allocation of funds will be at the discretion of the Department and will be based on an evaluation process and the availability of budgetary resources.

Applications and criteria:

1. Applicants must complete the online application form and will be required to upload all of the requested supporting documents. The submitted proposals must be structured toward one of the following categories:

• Category 1: Tourism Infrastructure Support Initiatives with a focus on upgrading high visitor volume attractions.
• Category 2: Tourism Product Development Support Initiatives with a focus on assisting tourism enterprises (specifically small, medium, and micro enterprises) with tourism product development.

2. Only applications submitted via the online process will be considered. No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered.

3. Thoroughly read the application guidelines before completing the online application. All sections in the application form are mandatory.

4. We recommend that you familiriase yourself with the online form so that you have the necessary information at hand when completing your application. You can refer to the attached document for an electronic copy of the form as well as the call for proposals.

There is no closing date, however funds are subject to availability. Don't delay, apply today!

For more information, contact Lindy Cambouris on  021 483 6527 or G4JTourismFund@westerncape.gov.za

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