Tourism opens relief fund for sector
The Department of Tourism has officially opened its R200 million fund to help keep businesses in the sector operational.
The coronavirus crisis and subsequent national lockdown has left the tourism industry reeling.
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The fund will allow small and medium enterprises in the sector to apply for a once-off grant to mitigate against the slump in visitors.
Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says the department has been accepting applications since Tuesday.
“The applications are online on the tourism website where you are able to upload your details as well.
“You need to have certified copies, but kindly note that in light of the lockdown, that some of our applicants will not have certified copies.”
She adds that applicants need to own a business that falls within the tourism sector.
“All the requirements are there and needs to be complied with including having a registered company being an SMME that falls under the tourism sector.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) have accused government of using overtly race-based criteria in the application process for the relief fund.