Regional Tourism Projects Program - Round 2

Submissions closed at midnight 1 November 2020 (AEDT).

Regional Tourism Projects Program 2020 - Round 2

The Tourism and Hospitality Supply-side Unit (THSU) within the Department of State Growth has released Round 2 of the Regional Tourism Projects Program (RTPP). RTPP Round 2 aims to ensure local tourism operators and businesses keep connected and focus on the future of their destination during these challenging times.

The Regional Tourism Projects Program is a special release of repurposed grant funds from the Destination Action Plan (DAP) fund that was originally released by the THSU in 2017. The DAP fund was established to support the implementation of active DAPs statewide and the ongoing implementation of the Tasmania Visitor Engagement Strategy (VES). The program leveraged other funding sources both public and private to support priority visitor engagement projects identified through the destination action planning process.

In recognition of the current economic climate resulting from COVID-19, it was determined that project proponents would be unlikely to be able to provide the matched funding of at least two thirds of the grant request, as previously required in the DAP program criteria. In response to this the RTPP special release has removed the requirement for matched funds and has broadened the focus to support active tourism groups that are proposing projects that align with not only DAP and VES planning but other key tourism programs and strategies.

Round 1 of the RTPP Special Release was highly successful and supported 15 projects across Tasmania. In response to the continuing evolution of COVID-19 and its impacts on operators, a formal review of Round 1 has led to the introduction of additional criteria aimed at aligning new projects more closely with the original intent of the DAP funding and program aims.

The objectives of the program are to:

Establish clear linkages to tourism strategy at a local, regional and state level (for example the Tasmanian Journeys Project) and to support local tourism operators and businesses keep connected and focus on the future of their destination during the COVID-19 crisis period.
Create the opportunity for active tourism groups to implement initiatives that improve the visitor and community experience in regional destinations will support industry recovery at a critical time.
Encourage collaboration and consultation with stakeholders.
Fund projects that are supported by the relevant Regional Tourism Organisation.
Improve the on-ground visitor experience.

Please ensure you review the Round 2 information and criteria carefully before proceeding with an application.

This RTPP Special Release Round 2 will fund smaller projects across Tasmania that involve:

Collaboration and consultation with stakeholders
Improvement of the on-ground visitor experience (visitor focus)
Demonstrated need (research data or anecdotal)

Projects will need to demonstrate clear linkages to a relevant Destination Action Plan (DAP), the Tasmanian Visitor Engagement Strategy, to the Tasmanian Journeys Project, state and local regional tourism objectives and/or the emerging themes of the next iteration of the Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy - T30.

Grant applications for projects of up to $10 000 are encouraged, applications of up to $20 000 will be considered. As funds are limited, value for money will be a consideration and a key priority to maximize the impact of the special release. Projects for more than $10,000 will need to demonstrate how the request achieves greater value for money.

All applicants are required discuss their project with and provide a letter of support from their Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO).

All applications will be assessed by a panel of experts including an external tourism expert and State Growth employees. Each application will be scored against the aims and objectives of the program and against each of the following assessment criteria.

Assessors will be asked to consider:

Has the applicant discussed the proposed project with their Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) and considered state and local regional tourism objectives?
Does the project demonstrate clear linkages to: a relevant Destination Action Plan (DAP); the Tasmanian Visitor Engagement Strategy; state and local regional tourism objectives; and/or the emerging themes of the next iteration of the Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy - T30?
Has the applicant provided a sound risk assessment with adequate mitigations identified to ensure the viability of the project?
Does the proposed project demonstrate value for money?
Does the application clearly demonstrate that the project does not replace existing funding and that the project is not able to be funded through other available funding programs?

All criteria are evenly weighted at 20% each.

Approved projects will enter into a formal funding agreement with the Tasmanian Government that will contain payment milestones with funding provided in instalments upon the successful completion and approval of those milestones.

Applications are open until the 1 November 2020 or until funds are fully committed. Applications will be processed on a first submitted, first assessed basis until funds are fully committed.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding, you or your partner applicant will need to have an ACN or ABN and be registered for GST.

To be supported through the Regional Tourism Projects Program - Round 2 you must explain how your project/proposal best meets the eligibility criteria outlined below:

be a key stakeholder actively engaged with your Regional Tourism Organisation, DAP Leadership Group Local Tourism Association and/or a stakeholder involved in visitor engagement
submit a project grant request that clearly demonstrates that it does not replace existing funding and the project is not able to be funded through other available funding programs
submit a grant request of no more than $20 000 maximum – noting this special release will preference small projects up to $10,000 as funds are limited value for money will be a consideration and a key priority to maximize the impact of the special release.
projects must be clearly aligned to a relevant Destination Action Plan (DAP), the Tasmanian Visitor Engagement Strategy, the Tasmanian Journeys Project, state and local regional tourism objectives and/or the emerging themes of the next iteration of the Tasmanian Visitor Economy Strategy.

All applications will be processed on a first submitted, first assessed basis and the round will remain open until all funds are committed.

Ineligible activities

The following activities are ineligible to receive funding from the Program:

marketing, brand development, advertising or product promotion
engaging or paying employees
buying or leasing real estate of any type
administrative or running, maintenance and repair and upgrade costs that are normally the responsibility of state or local government or a not-for-profit organisation
activities where an applicant has not fully acquitted any previous Tasmanian Government support funding.
Activities that are predominantly for the benefit of an individual business

Enquiries

You can discuss your application with your Regional Tourism Organisation or email the Tourism Hospitality Supply-side unit at THSU@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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