SOME 52 tourism entities have to date applied for the Government's Grant Assistance Programme for Small Hotels, Guest Houses, Villas and Attractions, and the deadline for the receipt of applications has been extended to the end of this month to facilitate the sector.
The $5 million programme which is being implemented through the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), will have eligible properties receiving a maximum of $300,000 to upgrade their facilities to minimum standards in relation to health, safety and security and for training.
According to Executive Dir-ector of TPDCo, Karl Binger, a number of the applications which have been received do not have all the necessary documentation. He said that the extension would facilitate those entities to send in their additional documentation, as well as facilitate properties which have not yet applied to do so.
The grant assistance programme was not established to facilitate major repairs to properties, but to assist those tourism entities which can attain recommended status. This means that entities would be eligible to benefit from local and overseas marketing and advertising efforts.
Entities applying for the grant must be inspected by an audit team from TPDCo and relevant agencies, have a valid tax compliance certificate, must have applied for a public health and fire certificate and sign a management commitment with respect to occupational and operational standards.
