South Africa’s Department of Tourism is offering financial support to eligible local tourism enterprises participating in Meetings Africa, scheduled for 22–24 February 2027. Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 16:30.

Meetings Africa 2027 will bring African business events suppliers together with international and domestic buyers at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, South Africa. Applications are now open for enterprises seeking participation support through the Domestic Market Access Support Programme (DMASP).

The programme, running from 22 to 24 February 2027, comprises a two-day trade show and a dedicated educational day organised in cooperation with industry associations. Exhibitors will have opportunities to present their products and services to international and local buyers, African associations and corporate event planners.

The funding call is open to tourism enterprises registered in South Africa that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Support for Accommodation, Transport and Exhibition Costs

Selected enterprises will receive support covering accommodation, including breakfast, for the duration of the exhibition and the preceding day. Participants will be responsible for their own lunch and dinner expenses.

Return economy-class flights, connecting flights where necessary, and participation or exhibition costs will be paid directly to service providers by the Department. Reimbursement will also be available for return road transport for participants meeting the call’s specified 250–350-kilometre radius requirement, as well as airport–hotel transfers at the destination.

Other supported participation arrangements include official shuttles, the online appointment management system and networking events.

Which Businesses Can Apply?

The call covers accommodation establishments, inbound tour operators and travel agents, destination marketing companies, conference and incentive travel organisers, attractions, venues and tourism activity providers.

Accommodation applicants must hold a valid star-grading certificate from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).

Applicants must be legally registered in South Africa, majority South African-owned and engaged in inbound tourism. They must offer integrated and packaged experiences, products or services, have an annual turnover not exceeding R5 million and have operated for at least one calendar year.

Eligible businesses must not have previously participated in or exhibited at an international tourism trade platform. They must also be tax compliant, appropriately insured for their tourism subsector and qualify as Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) under the Amended Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes.

Preference for Selected Provinces

Applications are welcome from all South African provinces. However, ownership and geographic location will be considered in line with the Department’s development and sector transformation objectives.

Specific consideration and preference will be given to enterprises in provinces including the Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo.

A limited number of supported spaces will be available in the Development Zone Pavilion at Meetings Africa 2027.

Applications Close on 16 October

Applicants must download and complete the DMASP application form available on the Department of Tourism’s website. Completed forms and supporting documents should be emailed to tipapplications@tourism.gov.za, with “Meetings Africa 2027” clearly stated in the subject line.

Required documents include a comprehensive company profile, a Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration report, proof of appropriate insurance, proof of turnover or bank statements for the preceding six months, and proof of compliance with the Amended Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes.

Applications close at 16:30 South African local time on 16 October 2026. Incomplete applications and those submitted outside the specified application period will not be considered.

The Department will acknowledge receipt by email within three working days. Applicants who do not receive an acknowledgement within that period should contact the designated officials.

The call also encourages enterprises to remain in the programme for three years before applying to the International Market Access Support Programme (IMASP).

Further information about the event is available at meetingsafrica.co.za. Enquiries about the support programme can be directed to Shereen Gurannah at sgurannah@tourism.gov.za or Modjadji Malatji at mmalatji@tourism.gov.za.