The Tourism Business Support Program explained
The Department of Tourism (DoT) is offering a recovery package to tourism operators across all 6 provinces to assist in keeping the tourism sector operational during border closures.
The program has several ways it can help tourism business operators.
- Survival Grants
The first is with costs associated with keeping your business operational. More specifically with costs associated with cleaning, maintenance, gardening, security, safety and utility bills.
If you are able to provide DoT with the following documents, please click on the link below to be taken to the online application form:
- Tourism permit
- Business licence
- VFSC certificate
- Signed Code of Conduct for your Tourism Business (if you don’t have one, a template will be provided to you by the DoT on receiving your application)
- Evidence that your business has suffered from a downturn in income since the boarders closed (VNPF contribution records)
- Renewable Energy Solutions
Assistance with accessing the National Green Energy Fund Renewable Energy Subsidy Scheme. The Renewable Energy Subsidy Scheme offers up to 70% subsidy for going green for your business. This includes moving to solar power.
DoT will support the costs of audits (required by the Department of Energy) and asset purchasing (like solar panels and micro-grids).
If you are able to provide DoT with the following documents please click on the link below to be taken to the online application form:
- Tourism permit
- Business licence
- VFSC certificate
- Signed Code of Conduct for your Tourism Business (if you don’t have one, a template will be provided to you by the DoT on receiving your application)
- Evidence that your business has suffered from a downturn in income since the boarders closed (VNPF contribution records)
- Agritourism Support Fund
DoT is promoting the tourism sector to think agri-tourism. Financial assistance is available for businesses who would like to integrate tourism and agriculture into their tourism product offerings. If you have a project idea, and can provide the following documents, please click on the link below to be taken to the online application form:
- Tourism permit
- Business licence
- VFSC certificate
- Signed Code of Conduct for your Tourism Business (if you don’t have one, a template will be provided to you by the DoT on receiving your application)
- Evidence that your business has suffered from a downturn in income since the boarders closed (VNPF contribution records)
Who to ask for help?
Your Tourism Provincial Manager has been fully briefed on these support options and can assist you with your application. Any specific questions you have, please email tbsp@vanuatu.gov.vu
How much can I ask for?
All reasonable requests will be considered. You may be asked for further budget breakdowns during the application review period.
What is the approval process?
Your application will be reviewed initially by the TBSP Management Team at DoT.
You may then be required to host a visit by an independent auditor to verify costs in your application.
Your application is them submitted for approval to the TBSP Advisory Committee – Tourism Business Support Program Advisory Committee Appointed | News | dailypost.vu
Are there opportunities to attend information sessions on this?
If you are interested in learning more, TBSP awareness trainings will be held in the following provinces on the following dates:
Tafea – 14-18 June
Malampa – 24-25 June
Sanma – 28 June – 2 July
Penama – 5-9 July
Torba – 12-16 July
Shefa – one is currently underway but another will be held in later July, dates TBA
Again for any specific enquiries please email tbsp@vanuatu.gov.vu for guidance, or visit the DoT office directly.
We hope you find this information helpful,
The VCCI team
