By Hajira Khota
28:09:2021

The second phase of the R20million Tourism Assistance Fund has begun accepting applications from KwaZulu-Natal’s struggling tourism firms and operators.

The Tourism Relief program is part of the government’s efforts to minimise the tourism sector’s impact from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal said it would work closely with community tourism organisations and tourism training in collaboration with the KZN Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) to ensure that the most significant numbers of qualified tourist companies in difficulty are supported.

Many applicants were denied due to non-compliance with the fund’s terms and conditions, resulting in poor participation.

Nhlanhla Khumalo speaking on Radio Islam International, says that the following businesses and entities that operate out of and within the province are eligible to apply for the tourist relief: 

• Hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfast establishments
• travel and related services
• Arts and craft cooperatives that produce and sell art and craft products.
• Rickshaw operators who provide tourist conveyance services.
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) are a sub-sector of the tourism industry.

“Applicants will have an opportunity to submit applications; the closing date will be on the 29th October 2021”.

EDTEA agreed that the second intake of applications should be evaluated under altered selection criteria to accommodate additional tourism enterprises, given the low number of successful applicants and that there was still funding left for the tourism relief fund.

“Evaluation and streaming process for application will take two weeks; 12th November 2021”.

KwaZulu-Natal is a popular tourist destination with a booming tourism industry that includes tour operators, hotels, restaurants, tourist guides, attractions, and other tourist attractions.

EDTEA agreed that the second intake of applications should be evaluated under altered selection criteria to accommodate additional tourism enterprises, given the low number of successful applicants and that there was still funding left for the tourism relief fund.

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