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Working towards an inclusive tourism sector

Limpopo entrepreneurs and aspiring entrants gained valued insight on how to grow and sustain their tourism businesses at information sessions hosted by the Department of Tourism in the Polokwane and Tzaneen.

The two-day information sessions orientated entrepreneurs on Tourism's SMME Development and Incentivised Support programmes, with a view of enlisting active participation from established and new entrants to the industry.

The Limpopo information sessions take place afoot the recent call for applications for the Tourism Transformation Fund, which is a dedicated capital investment mechanism that will support black investors and communities to develop and expand tourism related projects.

"Today's event is one of a number of information sessions that will be conducted nation-wide by the Department in the 2018-19 financial year."

"The recent announcements on the department's incentivised programmes such as the International Market Access Support Programme, the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) and the Transformation Fund, made it critical for us to provide information to SMMES through these platforms and enlist their participation," said department spokesperson, Mr Blessing Manale.

The information sessions featured presentations on the Tourism Enterprise Development and Support Programme, grading incentives for tourism establishments, and information on tourist guiding and the tourism complaints officer.

Entities such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and National Empowerment Fund (NEF), were among the invited exhibitors that provided one-on-one consultations and assistance to SMMEs.

"We have collaborated with various public and private entities to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of doing business in the tourism industry, whilst linking SMMEs to institutions that can further provide resources that will ensure their growth and sustainability." 

"An inclusive sector is vital to the future success and sustainability of our industry. We strongly encourage SMMEs and new entrants, especially those located in our rural tourism nodes, to attend the information sessions in the upcoming months and help build an inclusive and transformed sector," added Manale.

For more on Tourism's SMME Development and Incentivised Support Programmes, and upcoming information sessions visit www.tourism.gov.za

Ends

For media enquiries:

Department of Tourism:                              

Mr. Blessing Manale

Chief Director: Communications (Spokesperson)

Department of Tourism

Telephone: +27 (0) 12 444 6607

Cell: +27 (0) 78 149 7901

Email: bmanale@tourism.gov.za


Tourism Enterprise Development and Support Programme enquiries:

Department of Tourism:

Ms Morongoe Ramphele - Deputy Director General (DDG) Tourism Sector support Services

Tel: 012 444 6552

E-mail: mramphele@tourism.gov.za