Johannesburg, 14 June 2022—The deadline for the 4th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge has been extended to June 20, 2022 following requests by young African innovators.
As a key component of the African Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, the challenge is set to unleash innovative projects and initiatives that aim to transform the tourism ecosystem in Africa.
Evidenced by the quality of Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge entries received so far, the organiser, Africa Tourism Partners, said it is clear that African youth have begun to think out of the box and are running innovative projects that will transform the landscape of tourism in Africa, if well implemented.
Mutombo Ihaama, one of the innovation competitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) said he developed an interest when he saw the competition online and, was quick to apply.
“Tourism is a very important factor for the development of tourism, which is why I created my tour operator agency to enhance, promote and awaken the national heritage. We the Congolese youth are filled with innovation and projects, unfortunately we did not have an opportunity to make ourselves heard which is why I entered the youth innovation challenge,” Ihaama stressed.
Another competitor from South Africa, Goodness Mashala, also expressed his excitement about the youth summit, and his involvement in the challenge.
“Fear has for many years taken away from a lot of young people. I have decided to overcome my fears by taking a step towards achieving my dream, the dream of simplifying access to tourism across the continent and to the world at large through innovation,” said Mashala.
The 4th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge comes at a time when the African continent has lost nearly US$55 billion in tourism revenue due to Covid-19 pandemic. A factor which is negatively impacting youth employability. The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge therefore means to support the youth’s tourism revival efforts through practical implementation of innovative ideas and projects.
The Africa Tourism Partners believe that their efforts will result in the introduction of business opportunities for youth, small enterprises, start-ups and all stakeholders, for the revival of the African tourism sector.
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge will take place in Windhoek, Namibia from 26 to 29 July 2022.
Winners of the ongoing challenge will be announced at the 4th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, to be hosted by the Namibia Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) in collaboration with UNWTO and BDO South Africa Tourism Partners.
Top 5 candidates will be required to present 5 minutes demo to the judges for selection of the top 3 at the Summit. The winner of the Africa Tourism Innovation Challenge will receive a seed grant of US$1000.00 plus non-cash mentorship and marketing support to the value of US$5 000 whilst 1st & 2nd runners-up receive US$500 each plus mentorship, marketing support and expose to many other opportunities to value of US$5000 among several benefits.
Some of the international speakers of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge 2022 include Elcia Grandcourt, UNWTO, Director for Africa, Themba Khumalo of Acting CEO, South Africa Tourism, Hando Sinisalu, Founder of Best Marketing & Marketing Parrot based in Estonia, Linda Pereira, Managing Director of CPL Events from Portugal, Iwona Fluda Founder of Creative Switzerland and Dan Dsouza, Intrapreneurship Programme Manager at Lmarks, UK and Iddy John of Safari Wallet, Tanzania.
At least over 250 physical and over 1000 virtual delegates are expected to attend the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge.
Through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the summit further aims to restore confidence and re-activate the tourism sector to rebuild a more resilient tourism economy in the future.
