WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape Government has officially opened applications for the R7 million Western Cape Tourism Growth Fund (TGF), inviting municipalities, tourism organizations, and registered businesses to submit proposals that expand provincial attractions, enhance tourism products, and drive job creation.
Administered by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the fund provides co-funded grants for high-impact tourism infrastructure, product, and business development projects during the 2026/27 financial year. A spokesperson for DEDAT confirmed that there is no fixed closing date, noting that the call will remain open until the R7 million budget is fully allocated, with applications assessed on a rolling basis. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to submit their proposals early to secure consideration before funds are fully committed.
The initiative is designed to unlock private and third-party investment, improve destination competitiveness, and support the province’s broader strategic target of doubling international tourist arrivals by 2030. A department spokesperson emphasized that projects should address key constraints such as ageing infrastructure, uneven geographic distribution of tourism activity, and limited market-responsive experiences. Preference will be given to initiatives aligning with high-growth thematic areas, including farm and food tourism, village heritage, wellness escapes, jewel towns, and Western Cape trails.
Eligible applicants encompass Western Cape municipalities and municipal entities overseeing tourism or local economic development, destination management organizations, relevant non-profit organizations, and registered tourism businesses or SMMEs operating within the province. To qualify, applicants must be in good standing with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), demonstrate tax compliance, and prove the entity has been operational for a minimum of two years.
The funding is structured into three distinct categories: Category A provides support for tourism infrastructure, Category B focuses on tourism product development, and Category C supports business development and market readiness. Depending on the project scope, applicants may also be required to provide proof of co-funding, landowner approval, and confirmation that relevant statutory, planning, environmental, or heritage approvals are in place or sufficiently advanced.
All submissions must be made exclusively through the prescribed online Tourism Growth Fund portal. Email or hand-delivered applications will not be considered. A DEDAT spokesperson stressed that qualifying criteria will be strictly applied, requiring complete, legible, and valid supporting documentation. Proposals must detail the organizational profile, project specifics, anticipated impact, monitoring and evaluation measures, implementation plans, cash flow, and a comprehensive budget. Applications featuring missing, damaged, or illegible documentation will be disqualified.
Ultimately, the fund prioritizes inclusive tourism growth, particularly in non-metropolitan and underserved regions, to leverage additional investment and broaden the geographic footprint of tourism activity across the province.
