The Portfolio Committee on Tourism welcomes the COVID-19 Tourism Relief Fund that was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Ms Mmamaloko Kubayi- Ngubane.
Tourism sector has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and many businesses such as hotels, lodges, bed and breakfast establishments, restaurants, entertainment establishments and tour operators amongst others are closed in compliance with government’s lock-down regulations to curb the spread of this virus. Unfortunately, the lock-down strategy had to be done internationally to keep people safe.
The Department of Tourism has made an amount of R200 million available through the Tourism Relief Fund. This intervention to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on tourism sector as a once-off capped grant assistance to small, micro, and medium size enterprises to ensure sustainability during the crisis is welcomed, and these funds will ensure that these businesses survive beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo calls on the Department of Tourism to carefully look at the criteria set for applications for funding so that the smaller players in the tourism value chain operating in the villages, townships and small towns (dorpies) can be accommodated and assisted.
Mr Mahumapelo said that this is a painful and difficult period affecting everyone, not just the tourism industry, and he urges every citizen to play their part in curbing this pandemic.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
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