The Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said today, eligible businesses in the sector could now apply for once-off grants aimed at helping them weather the COVID-19 storm.
Kubayi-Ngubane said the R200 million Tourism Relief Fund will support the industry and communities to cope with the negative effects of this pandemic.
“Our tourism industry is comprised of mainly Small Micro and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMMEs), most of which are survivalists in nature, with limited access to funding from commercial institutions,” Kubayi-Ngubane said.
“We hope the support offered through the Tourism Relief Fund will assure the continued survival of SMMEs beyond the COVID–19 pandemic.”
Capped at R50 000 per business, the grant funding can be utilised to subsidise expenses towards fixed costs, operational costs, supplies and other pressure cost items.
Some of the businesses that qualify for assistance through the fund include guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments, lodges and backpackers.
Professional catering companies, tour operators, travel agents and car rental companies also qualify.
