Call to enter a responsible tourism project

Anyone with a tourism or related business that evidently embraces the principles of responsible tourism or boasts a strong responsible tourism project located within the Cape Town metropole and has been in existence for more than one year can submit a proposal now and stand a chance of winning R20 000 in funding.

Submissions must include the business name, logo, website address and two photographs, a project summary, evidence of the business or projects commitment to responsible tourism and its existence for a minimum of one year. Furthermore, please provide a breakdown of how the R20 000 funding will be applied over a 12-month period. The winning project will be required to provide evidence that funds were spent accordingly within the 12-month timeframe.

Public, tourism trade and media to vote

At Tourism Indaba, the public, tourism trade and media will vote for the business/project that they would most like to see receive R20 000 in funding from the City of Cape Town, from a shortlist of four businesses/projects. Voting will take place on Saturday, 11 May between 4pm and 5pm on the City of Cape Town stand.

As the public and trade vote for their favourite businesses/projects, the Responsible Tourism Tree will start showing its colours, and favourites, with decorative voting leaves.

The winning project will then be announced on Sunday, 12 May 2013 at the Cities at Indaba conference.

CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, said: "Quietly, and without fanfare, responsible tourism initiatives are taking place in all corners of Cape Town. Recognising and rewarding the commitment of these business and projects is key to encouraging more companies - small and large - to transform tourism from within."

Cllr Grant Pascoe, Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Marketing added: "A National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism was launched in September 2011 and although we have seen an increase in responsible tourism initiatives since then, we would like to see bigger and better growth in this sector. The City of Cape Town is committed to position Cape Town as a responsible destination of choice for discerning travellers. We believe that initiatives such as the Responsible Tourism Tree will put a spotlight on these initiatives and Cape Town's appeal as a responsible destination."

Send your Responsible Tourism project submission to Inge Dykman at levart.nwotepac@gnitekram before end of day on Friday, 19 April 2013.