CALL FOR PROPOSALS: APPLICATIONS FOR TOURISM EVENTS/FESTIVAL SUPPORT DURING THE 2025/2026 FINANCIAL YEAR – PHASE 2

Hessequa Municipality hereby invites the submission of applications for financial and/or non-financial assistance for hosting a tourism related event/festival during the 2025/2026 financial year. This advertisement serves as phase 2 of the support programme. Events already approved for support during phase 1, will not be considered.

This call for proposals is aimed at providing funding to tourism events/festivals which require additional capital to establish and or to grow such an event/festival. The funding will be allocated in the form of a grant.

Hessequa Municipality will provide financial- and non-financial support, based on the following criteria:

• Only tourism events will be considered, which includes art festivals and exhibitions, music festivals, sport events and cultural festivals.
• The tourism event/festival must address the seasonality of the Hessequa region, withpreference given to events/festivals taking place between March and June.
• The event/festival must employ locals as part of the supporting staff and organizing members.
• The tourism event/festival must support the hospitality sector and contribute to the increase in occupation of overnight accommodation establishments.
• The tourism event/festival must promote the Hessequa Tourism brand, and the tourism logo must be featured in all the event/festival marketing material.
• The event organizer must be a registered entity e.g. Non-Profit Company, Non-Governmental Organization, Sport Club or Private Company with proof of registration attached.
• The tourism event/festival must confirm the funding applied for, the funding the event organizer has towards the event/festival and any sponsorships or letters sent to request sponsorships.
• The tourism event/festival must be sustainable and hosted annually.
• The tourism event application form and corresponding risk assessment form must be completed and submitted on time.
• The tourism event/festival must submit a detailed event proposal along with the application.

NOTE: Incomplete and late submissions will be disqualified. Limited funding is available.

Application forms are available on the Hessequa Tourism website www.explorersgardenroute.co.za and the Hessequa Municipal website: www.hessequa.gov.za As an alternative, contact the Senior Tourism and Development Officer, Mr. R Malan at riaan@hessequa.gov.za or 028-713 7953.

Applications must be placed in a sealed envelope with the heading “Tourism Event/Festival Application 2025/2026 – Phase 2” and submitted at any Hessequa Municipal offices across the region. Alternatively, applications can be emailed to riaan@hessequa.gov.za

The Hessequa Tourism Section encourages tourism events/festivals taking place between 08 December 2025 to 30 June 2026 to apply.

The closing date for submissions is Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 12h00.

FULL ADVERTISEMENT: ENGLISH & AFRIKAANS & APPLICATION FORMS