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Tourism KwaZulu-Natal seeks to assist small tourism enterprises
TRAVEL REPORTER
TOURISM KwaZulu-Natal is reintroducing its Enterprise Development Programme and calling for small enterprises in the sector to apply for capacity-building support.
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The programme aims to overcome the challenges that continue to hinder the transformation of the province’s tourism sector.
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma said: “With limited participation of black entrants in the tourism sector, we realise that significant effort is required to transform existing businesses in the tourism sector and to grow the sector to enable more mainstream black-owned tourism businesses, of all sizes, to be established.
“The rate of transformation in the tourism sector remains painfully slow, yet it is critical for the success of the tourism sector. Without transformation the growth and development of the industry is not guaranteed.”
According to Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the challenges in transforming the sector include lack of management skills which limits the potential and longevity of tourism businesses, limited access to finance and difficulty economic circumstances creating high levels of competition and an inability to maximise the efficiencies in various sectors.
Targeting small, medium, and micro enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism sector, the programme sets out to:
• Identify existing and emerging enterprises and establish a database.
• Assess enterprises to identify the gaps and interventions required for their viability and growth.
• Implement capacity building interventions to ensure that small enterprises have the practical skills to effectively manage and operate their businesses.
• Identify and facilitate access to opportunities to ensure that small enterprises benefit from market share.
• Develop an easy-to-use digital platform that enables operators to interact with their customers and set up online retail platforms.
Monitoring and evaluate enterprises on the programme to ensure that their growth and sustainability is achieved.
To qualify to participate in the programme small, medium and micro enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal must be operating in accommodation (hotels, resorts, B&B’s, lodges); hospitality (restaurants and conference venues not attached to hotels, professional catering, attractions) and travel and related services (tour operators, travel agents, tour guides, car rental companies, coach operators).
Applications are open until October 7. Visit www. zulu.org.za to register.
INVITATION TO APPLY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE TKZN TOURISM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Tourism KwaZulu Natal has established a Tourism Enterprise Development Programme which seeks to increase participation of small, medium and micro enterprises in the tourism sector in KwaZulu Natal. Applications are invited from interested tourism SMEs based within and operating from the province.
Eligibility:
Tourism SMEs doing business in the following areas of the tourism value chain are eligible to apply for the 24 month programme:
• Accommodation: hotels resort properties, Bed and Breakfast facilities (B&B’s), and lodges.
• Hospitality and related Services: restaurants (not attached to hotels); conference venues (not attached to hotels), and tourism attractions.
• Travel and related Services: tour operators, travel agents, tourist guides, and coach operators.
Application requirements
• Proof of registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
• Copy of valid tax clearance certificate issued by the South African Receiver of Revenue.
• Proof that the enterprise has been in existence for at least one business financial year.
• Copy of BEE Certificate or an affidavit confirming the BEE status of the enterprise.
• Proof of residence confirming that the enterprise is operating from and based in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
• Certified ID copies of directors/members.
NB: All applications should be done online and accessible through the website www.zulu.org.za. The copies of supporting documents must be scanned in pdf and uploaded online against the application form.
Closing date The online system of applications opened on 07 September 2022 and will close on 07 October 2022. No late applications will be accepted after the closing date.
https://zulu.org.za/corporate/tourism-enterprise-development-application-form/
Enquiries: Mr Samora Nqweniso on: Samora@zulu.org.za / 0837906973 Thembalethu Mfeka on: thembalethu@zulu.org.za / 031 366 7542
