The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) is a commendable initiative by the Department of Tourism aimed at encouraging and supporting privately-owned tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices. The programme does this by incentivizing the installation of solutions that reduce energy and water consumption and costs.
Since its launch in 2017, the GTIP has been instrumental in promoting sustainable management and usage of electricity and water in the tourism sector. In a bid to enhance its impact, the programme was reviewed in 2021, resulting in additional benefits for qualifying small and micro tourism enterprises.
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) manages the GTIP and provides financial assistance in the form of a grant of up to R1 million to eligible applicants. The grant covers the cost of installing energy and water efficiency solutions, with funding offered on a sliding scale of 50% to 90% of the total cost of approved solutions, up to a capped amount of R1 million. The balance is to be covered by the applicant, either through their own resources or from other reputable funding institutions, including the IDC.
It is important to note that the GTIP will not cover the VAT portion for VAT-registered enterprises, as they can claim it back. However, the grant will cover the VAT portion for non-VAT-registered enterprises. The grant funding will be paid directly to service providers/installers.
To apply for the GTIP, the application process has two phases. Phase 1 involves an energy and water efficiency audit and the identification of appropriate solution(s). Phase 2 is the application for funding to implement the recommended solution(s). Eligible applicants, having completed Phase 1, are required to demonstrate economic viability to be considered for funding.
The application deadline for the GTIP is March 31, 2024. Interested applicants must download and complete the application form, accompanied by relevant supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the energy and water efficiency audit. For more information, visit the IDC website. The GTIP is a great opportunity for tourism enterprises to adopt sustainable practices while reducing their energy and water costs.
