Yes, successful applicants will be required to submit regular invoices and expense reports in stages, as requested. These invoices and expense reports must detail how the funds were used and adhere to the approved expense categories and limits. Additionally, approved applicants must sign the established MOTP funding agreement(s).

No, applicants cannot submit multiple applications.

Disbursements are to be paid out to successful applicants over three months and in at least two installments.

You can apply for a Visitor Experience Development Grant by going to the official VEDGP webpage www.ourcayman.ky/VEDGPThe entire application process is online, and you will be required to complete an online application together with uploading other supporting documentation. You should use the guidance notes and supporting document templates available on the official webpage.

An individual who is awarded a Visitor Experience Development Grant can receive a maximum of CI$50,000. The total approved budget for the VEDGP is CI$500,000.

Yes. Civil Servants who are not employed by the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, or its related entities can apply for the grant.
 
Family members of Civil Servants employed by the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, or its related entities can also apply, but as per the Anti-Corruption Act (2024 Revision) Section 19 (2) where a public officer has a member of their family or a direct associate or a personal interest in a decision that a Government entity, in this case the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, is going to take, that the public officer disclose in writing the nature of that personal interest and recuse themselves from any part in the proceedings or decision to award the grant.

Failure to disclose an interest in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Act and who votes or otherwise takes part in proceedings or decisions of the government entity relating to such interest commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term of five years.

No. The VEDGP is solely for Caymanians who do not already operate any established businesses.

To qualify for a Visitor Experience Development Grant a business must meet the following criteria:

• Business must be 100% Caymanian-owned - all owners AND employees must be Caymanian as per the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision).
• Businesses must offer or introduce new experiences (products/services) to international visitors that are not currently available in the Cayman Islands

The full criteria for the Visitor Experience Development Grant are provided on the webpage.

If your application is unsuccessful, you may request in writing to receive feedback on your proposal to help improve it for future grant opportunities. You are encouraged to apply again in future application periods if your project remains eligible.

The application periods for the programme occur twice annually, giving applicants two opportunities each year to submit their application.
 
For 2024, the application period is 2 September to 30 September. Applicants should submit their application no later than the 30 September deadline.
 
f you miss the first application period or prefer to apply in 2025, a new application period will be available in due course and will be announced via local channels. Should you have any questions pertaining to the new application period, please direct all inquiries to MOT-requests@gov.ky
 
These defined application periods ensures that your application will receive the appropriate amount of time to be evaluated, following the application deadline.

Applications will be reviewed by distinct panels of experts who will evaluate the applications based on criteria such as: 

• Innovation and uniqueness of the business concept.
• Potential impact on local tourism and the economy.
• Feasibility and viability of the business concept.
• Alignment with the Ministry of Tourism and Ports’ strategic direction.

The Grant supports development of new tourism attractions or experiences proposed by emerging Caymanian entrepreneurs. The Grant cannot be used to expand or fund an existing business.

Applicants will be informed of decisions within 30 days of the deadline date (in each application period).

For specific questions, you can contact the Ministry of Tourism and Ports administration office via email MOT-requests@gov.ky. The contact process and details are also available on the official VEDGP website.