zimbabwe tourism innovation challenge

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Tourism Innovation Challenge 2022: A transformative and job creation tool

The Tourism Innovation Challenge is a launchpad for transforming the sector through creative projects that have the potential to create employment for young people.

The competition augurs the government’s thrust on innovation in which the government has been visibly intentional in having the youth at the core of the country’s innovation programmes.

Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry said the youth have the capability to proffer ideas that can turn industries around and keep Destination Zimbabwe ahead of competing destinations.

To this end, he said the government is committed to youth participation in the economy and has created an environment for the youth to innovate and make Zimbabwe’s tourism better through the various Innovation Hubs that have been established in state universities across the country.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony today, Mr. Givemore Chidzidzi, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Chief Operating Officer said the 2022 Tourism Innovation Challenge is coming after a trying period for the tourism industry where the sector’s performance was taken back to 1999 levels. This period however presented a great opportunity for the tourism sector to be more innovative so as to recover and grow the sector.

“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority embraced this challenge and sought to work with the youth whom we believe have the energy and innovation required to boost the transformation of the tourism sector. The Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge targets youths aged 30 years and below. The objective is to assist in identifying innovative projects that can help transform the tourism sector. It also seeks to encourage young innovators to create projects around the tourism sector as well as creating employment for the youth,” Mr. Chidzidzi said.

Thus this year, the challenge has been cascaded to all provinces to encourage, stimulate and promote innovation and entrepreneurship amongst youths without “ leaving anyone or any place behind ”. All the provinces responded resoundingly as the challenge attracted 181 entries – a 300% increase from 2021.

Commenting on the innovation challenge, Sophie Zirebwa, the ZTA Director of Domestic Tourism and Strategic Research said the increase this year was not only in the number of projects but also in the improved quality of ideas to transform the tourism sector. Honourable Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for all the 10 Provinces were actively involved in the capacitation of the Youths in their respective Provinces.

Mr. Ray Mawerera, the ZTA Board Chairperson said investing in young people is akin to investing in the future of tourism.

“COVID-19 taught us the importance of innovation. I invite private sector players to partner with us in driving tourism innovation. As we seek to improve the sector, we should also address perceptions around pricing to the effect that tourism products are expensive. Local people should appreciate our tourism products. There is a need for conversations with the private sector to find a common ground on pricing. The ZimBho Campaign seeks to make tourism products accessible to locals,” Mr. Mawerera said.

The provincial challenge started with a call for project submissions, which were placed on print and electronic platforms. Participants had the option of entering as individuals or as a group. 10 Projects were shortlisted for the provincial challenge. These selected projects were evaluated by an independent provincial evaluation committee to come up with the provincial winner. Provincial winners were announced at Capacity Building Workshops for the youths which were organised in all ten provinces.

At the national level, Tumelo Mabanga (25) from Harare Province who runs the Find & Go project was the overall winner. Find & Go is a platform that connects customers to service providers in the Hospitality industry. This is through a Website, Mobile Applications, and WhatsApp Bot. The platform allows users to get information on any service provider (accurate and updated), be it working hours, prices, menus, pictures, videos, booking and payment options, availability, activities to do, places to go, etc. make an informed decision, and pay online. Service providers in the tourism sector do not have enough visibility as a result they cannot grow their businesses to their full potential. So we are giving them visibility by bringing them online.

The first runner-up is Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni (27) from Mangwe district in Matabeleland South Province. She runs “A Taste of Zimbabwe” project which is a Zimbabwean travel culinary social media campaign. The campaign is centered around the cuisine, heritage, culture, and tourism in Zimbabwe.

The aim of the campaign is to explore Zimbabwe’s beautiful tourist attractions, all the while discovering Zimbabwe’s tastiest cuisine that has been developed through centuries of Zimbabwean heritage. This campaign will combine travel, food, and technology to create the ultimate Tourism adventure that will increase both local and international tourism in Zimbabwe.

The second runner-up is Innocent Makonese (28) who hails from Masvingo Province. He runs the ‘Jewelz of Zimbabwe’ project – a marketing initiative that focuses on using mainstream media and cutting-edge technologies to promote domestic and inbound tourism in Zimbabwe. The idea behind this initiative is to (re)discover Zimbabwe’s hidden “jewels” and share them with the world. The initiative particularly seeks to stir the desire and curiosity to visit Zimbabwe by addressing the gap between less effective and conventional ways of disseminating information about the beauty of Zimbabwe’s tourist sites.

Winners Prizes

Sustainable Tourism: ZTA Tourism Innovation Challenge 2023

Sustainable tourism is growing internationally, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is holding its 3rd edition of the Tourism Innovation Challenge to boost it in Zimbabwe. Additionally, this year’s winner will receive USD5000 as seed capital for the project they submit.  Moreover, this challenge aims to create opportunities for young innovators to actively participate in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. The ZTA has the authority to develop, manage and promote Zimbabwe. They also market Zimbabwe as a tourist destination in both the local and international markets.

The theme for this year’s challenge is sustainable tourism. Also, acceptable projects will foster preservation of natural and cultural heritage. They must attract sustainable tourists, bring economic benefits to local communities and effectively manage the destination. Additionally, projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to minimising the carbon footprint of the tourism industry will have high value in the challenge.

Also, those that support local businesses and promote responsible and ecological tourism practices will be particularly noticed as well. It is important to note that the projects should be creative, feasible, scalable and impactful in the long-term. The challenge seeks submissions that can transform the tourism sector in a meaningful and sustainable way. 

Sustainable tourism for business

Sustainable tourism helps businesses reduce their negative impact on the environment. They help reduce running costs, support the local economy and communities and enhance guest experiences. Locals in any area usually engage in sustainability in all their activities. This can range from farming using organic fertiliser to minimising waste in their day to day activities. Working with locals surrounding tourist destinations will create employment, boost economic growth and foster infrastructure development that helps locals. Also, these sustainable practices in tourism help combat climate change, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Furthermore, to boost sustainable tourism, some local entities that are running their destinations sustainably are Somalisa Camp, Ilala Lodge, Pioneers Camp and The Elephant Camp just to mention a few. Some of the changes they made include use of solar power to generate electricity for lighting and water heating for the destinations daily use. Also, others source their resources from locals and have their own gardens. 

The ZTA Tourism Innovation Challenge is looking for talent to join such practices. Some tourist players are embracing sustainable tourism and it is commendable that ZTA is working to include the youth in this initiative. This will shape the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism and improve its longevity. 

Rumbidzai S Matarise

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Tourism Innovation Challenge 3rd edition on

The third edition of the Tourism Innovation Challenge is set to be held under the theme “Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability,” the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has said. Announcing the competition process, the tourism promotional body said the national winner will pocket US$5 000 while provincial winners take home US$1 000.

Project proposal submissions were opened on 15 March to 15 May 2023 for youth participants aged 30 and below.

The challenge will be held at provincial and national level. Provincial winners will enter into the national challenge.

Last year, Mr Tumelo Mabanga from Harare walked away with US$7 500 for winning the 2022 edition.

Outlining the process, ZTA said after submission of entries at provincial level, a preevaluation of project proposals relating to sustainable tourism would be done.

Selected projects in phase 1 will then be adjudicated online or physically by a panel of judges drawn from the province, provincial winners are announced and proceed to the national finals.

The provincial winners will pitch their projects before a panel of national judges and national winners will then be selected.

Winners from the national adjudication process will then be announced and awarded their prizes which include monetary, incubation and mentorship programmes for six months.

Tourism Innovation challenge is a platform aimed at creating opportunities for young innovators to participate in the tourism value chain. Through this initiative ZTA will also partner with other innovation hubs to incubate and mentor selected project winners. The Tourism Innovation hub is aimed at young innovators aged 30 and below. This is in line with the Government’s thrust of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in marginalised groups.

Projects submitted by participants should showcase how they can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, attract sustainable tourists, bring economic benefits to local communities, and effectively manage the destination. Additionally, projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to reducing the carbon footprint of the tourism industry, supporting local businesses, and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices would be highly valued.

Projects should not only be creative, but also feasible, scalable, and impactful in the long-term. The challenge seeks submissions that can transform the tourism sector in a meaningful and sustainable way.- The Chronicle

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Mabanga charms tourism players with innovation platform

• Post author: netvest-post
• Post published: October 3, 2022
• Post category: Entertainment

Mabanga wins the national Tourism Innovation Challenge

HARARE – Various creative ideas aimed at elevating Zimbabwe’s tourism product were on display as the curtain came down on the second edition of the Tourism Innovation Challenge at a colourful event held at the HICC in Harare.

Tumelo Mabanga walked away with US$7500 for winning the 2022 edition,

The final came after six months of scouting for the best Tourism Innovator in Zimbabwe for this year.

Mabanga who hails from Harare also won several prizes including Company Registration & Business Grooming sponsored by Philips Law, a Zim Parks sponsored holiday and 12 months’ free membership with BancABC Ignition Hub which is a co-working space.

Mabanga also won Incubation with Kukura Business Accelerator, incubation with Old Mutual (Eight2Five) and UNTWO Innovation Training.

Mabanga was rewarded for her winning project called Find & Go, a platform that connects customers to service providers in the Hospitality industry.

Mabanga’s innovation platform allows users to get information on any service provider (accurate and updated), be it working hours, prices, menus, pictures, videos, booking and payment options, availability, activities to do, places to go.

First runner up was Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni from Matabeleland South. Her project is called ‘A Taste of Zimbabwe’, essentially a Zimbabwean travel cullinary social media campaign on the cuisine, heritage, culture and tourism.

The aim of the campaign is to explore Zimbabwe’s beautiful tourist attractions, all the while discovering Zimbabwe’s tastiest cuisine that has been developed through centuries of Zimbabwean heritage.

Mguni won Cash Price of US$2500, Company Registration and Business Grooming sponsored by Phillips Law, 12 months’ free membership with BancABC, Ignition Hub which is a co-working space, Incubation with Kukura Business Accelerator, Incubation with Old Mutual (Eight2Five) and UNTWO Innovation Training.

Masvingo’s 28-year-old Innocent Makonese came third for his project called Jewelz of Zimbabwe.

The marketing initiative focuses on using mainstream media and cutting edge technologies to promote domestic and in-bound tourism in Zimbabwe.

The idea behind this initiative is to (re)discover Zimbabwe’s hidden “jewels” and share them with the world.

Makonese won Cash Price of US$1250, $500.00 USD Worth of Internet from Utande, Company Registration and Business Grooming sponsored Phillips Law, 12 months’ free membership with BancABC Ignition Hub which is a co-working space, Incubation with Kukura Business Accelerator, Incubation with Old Mutual (Eight2Five) and UNTWO Innovation Training.

The campaign combines travel, food and technology to create the ultimate Tourism adventure that will increase both local and international tourism in Zimbabwe.

Participants were drawn from Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces and finalists got US1000, UNTWO Innovation Training and Incubation with Kukura Business Accelerator.

The challenge attracted 181 entries a 300% increase from 2021.

The increase was not only in the quantity of projects but also in improved quality of ideas to transform our sector.

Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for all the 10 Provinces were actively involved in the capacitation of the Youths in their respective Provinces.

The Tourism Innovation Challenge seamlessly aligns with Government’s thrust on innovation in which the government has been visibly intentional in having the youth at the core of the country’s innovation programs.

The inaugural Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge was won by Jefferey Murungweni who was outstanding at the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge in Namibia.

Jeffrey scooped the first prize and has since kickstarted his winning project Trafiki Afrika which is now a running business and longer just a project

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MSUAS INNOVATORS SHINES AT ZIMBABWE PROVINCIAL TOURISM INNOVATION CHALLENGE

• Post author:
• Post published: November 16, 2023
• Post category: NEWS

Students from Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences flew the university flag high in an exclusive participation at the Zimbabwe Provincial Tourism Innovation challenge that was held at Enopat Hotel in Mutare on the 4 th of November 2023.

Running under the theme “Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability”, the challenge saw four students from the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Sciences taking part in the presentation session and the initiative is a brainchild of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority partnering with other Innovation Hubs to incubate as well as mentoring selected winners of the programme.

The Tourism Innovation Challenge is a platform aimed at young innovators aged 30 years and below and the idea is in line with government’s thrust of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in marginalized groups.

Projects which were showcased contributes to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, attract sustainable tourists, bring economic benefits to local communities.

Outright champion to the challenge Shingirai Zisengwe who managed to scoop a prize of $1000 and a certificate.

In group presentations, 3 students namely Tawanda Mbiriri, Blessing Mukazika and Tadiwanashe Mbiriri also walked away with $500 and a certificate.

Hence, the winner from Manicaland Province will participate in the national competition to be hosted in Harare.

Commenting about the participation, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Chawanda said:

“I believe that the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge assist higher and tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe to be innovation hubs that produce graduates with inventive resolutions to the socio-economic challenges that we experience as a nation.

“Above all such competitive platforms are an opportunity for students to develop management and leadership skills which will benefit them in their careers as future leaders

“I therefore applaud the government’s commitment in providing essential activities that encourage, stimulate and promote entrepreneurship among the youth.”

Similar sentiments echoed from the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Sciences Lecturer, Mr.Willard Madhombiro who identified the Tourism Innovation Challenge as crucial in the development of Zimbabwe through innovative ideas.

“The competition is one of the crucial platforms in the tourism sector as it provides an opportunity to identify potential leaders in tourism and provide innovative ideas that can sustainably develop the nation.

“For universities it is part of community engagement as students are given the chance to incubate their ideas,” he said.

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Tourism innovation Finals on today

Hosia Mviringi

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) will today host the finals of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge at a local hotel in Harare.

Participants in this year’s contest have been drawn from the country’s ten provinces with the winning participant pocketing a cool US$5000 seed money to kick start their winning project.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority embarked on an ambitious project to scout for the best innovative tourism ideas that have the potential to transform the tourism sector in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. The contest is aimed at exposing some of the country’s best talents insofar as tourism ideas are concerned, with the aim of rolling back the negative impact of the Covid-19 induced business disruptions.

The Tourism Innovation contest is targeting youths in aged 30 and below who were given the opportune challenge to compete for ideas that could enhance visitor experience, stimulate tourism growth, create employment, and turn around the fortunes of the sector in the middle of historic turbulence.

The challenge, in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind, started at the Provincial level with a winner in each Province walking away US$1000 richer. It is in the same spirit that the contest has culminated in a national event that brings together all competing projects countrywide to come with an overall winner for the coveted national accolade.

The main event will be graced by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, who will also be the Guest of Honour.

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ZTA hosts Innovation Challenge

SHANNISE DZOBO

MASVINGO – Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is set to host a provincial Innovation Challenge prize-giving day this Thursday in Masvingo.Zibuke said ZTA has been running an Innovation Challenge for youths under the age of 30 across the country as a launchpad for transforming the tourism sector through creative projects that have the potential to create employment for young people.

The competition augments the government’s thrust on innovation where the youth have been at the forefront and core of the country’s innovation programmes.

Participants have been drawn from across the province with the winning project set to pocket US$ 1,000.

The provincial winner will be allowed to perfect their projects which will be submitted for valuation at the national level by a national adjudication committee.

Lovemore Mandima (pictured) the Sothern Region director for National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe will be the programs director which will also be attended by Provincial Head Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, June Mbizvo who will talk about financing options for youth business.

Dr Phanos Matura who is the chairman of Masvingo Publicity will talk about responding to call for business proposals.

Great Zimbabwe lecturer Lovemore Chitambara a guru in the hospitality, culture and tourism sector will deliver a paper on investment opportunities in the tourism sector for youths in Masvingo Province.

The judges will be led by chief adjudicator, Mrs. R. Mushoorwa, while the guest of honour is yet to be advised added Zibuke.

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