Entries open for Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge (Africa)

It provides opportunities for funding, mentorship, partnerships, and global exposure, enabling participants to present their groundbreaking projects to an international audience and secure the necessary support to bring their ideas to life.

Prize Information

• Winner: USD 1000 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:
  • Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
  • Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
  • Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.
• 1st runner up: USD 500 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:
  • Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
  • Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
  • Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.
• 2nd runner up: USD 500 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:
  • Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
  • Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
  • Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.

Eligibility Criteria

• The initiative is inclusive and welcomes participants regardless of gender, race, or physical ability.
• The challenge is open to individuals (youth aged 18-35 years and postgraduate students of all ages globally), partnerships, or corporations innovating within the tourism sector.

Selection Criteria

• Projects will be evaluated based on the following aspects:
  • Originality: The idea must be unique and not replicate existing solutions. It can reinterpret an existing concept with a novel application.
  • Sustainability: Clearly define the long-term environmental, social, and economic impact of the project.
  • Significance: Address critical issues in the tourism industry while aligning with the Challenge’s objective of improving tourism services, systems, and engagement.
  • Applicability and Transferability: Demonstrate how the project can inspire and be adapted by others in the tourism industry.
  • Practicality: Present actionable steps, well-defined objectives, and a clear execution plan.
  • Impact: Illustrate the potential for transformational change in the tourism sector, organizational culture, or community development.

Application Requirements

• To participate, entrants must adhere to the following criteria to avoid disqualification:
  • Project Vision and Uniqueness: Clearly outline your project’s vision, its originality, and authenticity. Explain the rationale behind your innovation.
  • Evidence of Innovation: Demonstrate how your project addresses a challenge in travel and tourism or a related sector in Africa. Examples include technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, job creation, environmental sustainability, and community development.
  • Sustainability and Impact: Highlight how your project delivers long-term benefits to the tourism industry, local communities, or related sectors.
  • Timeline: Provide a clear timeline for project implementation.
  • Support Needed: Specify the type of support required, such as funding, mentorship, investment, or partnerships.
  • Additional Information: Submit relevant supporting details in under 500 words.
  • Demo/Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Prepare a 5-minute presentation to showcase your MVP during the competition.

For more information, visit Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit.