South Africa: Western Cape launches R7 million fund to boost tourism

The Western Cape provincial government has opened applications for its Tourism Growth Fund (TGF), endowed with R7 million, aimed at municipalities, tourism organizations, and sector businesses for the 2026/27 financial year. The fund is administered by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT). "Applications are open and there is no fixed closing date. The call will remain open until the available R7 million has been allocated, with applications assessed on a rolling basis," the department specifies, according to SAnews.gov.za. The TGF is structured into three categories: tourism infrastructure (A), product development (B), and SMME business development (C). Applicants must be tax compliant with SARS, prove at least two years of operation, and submit their applications exclusively via a dedicated online portal, with email or hand deliveries excluded. This initiative aims to mobilize private and third-party investments to modernize aging infrastructure and expand tourism activity to underserved non-metropolitan areas. It aligns with the provincial goal of doubling international tourist arrivals in the Western Cape by 2030.