Tourism hackathon to seek solutions for industry challenges

The Department of Tourism, together with the University of Cape Town (UCT), will launch the Tourism Hackathon Challenge in Cape Town this weekend.

“[The] Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille will officially launch the initiative that will bring together young innovators to develop practical, technology-driven solutions for challenges facing the tourism sector. The Tourism hackathon is a collaborative event in which young innovators work in teams to develop practical, technology-driven solutions for the tourism sector,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement on Thursday.

Set to get underway at the University of Cape Town (UCT DSchool) on Saturday, the hackathon will culminate in the presentation of working prototypes that aim to strengthen and improve the visibility of township and rural operators, whilst providing online solutions that connect them to new markets.

“Investing in the sustainability of the tourism sector begins with an investment in the youth. Through the hackathon, we want to build a pipeline of young talent who will not only gain digital skills, mentorship and practical experience, but who will be encouraged to pursue careers and entrepreneurship through innovation in tourism,” the Minister said.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 G20 Tourism Hackathon, this year’s challenge is themed: “Community-Based Tourism and Rural Inclusion”.

Fifty students, selected from public and private universities offering tourism and hospitality qualifications, will work in teams to develop solutions in the following areas:
-    Digital platforms that connect tourists with township and rural experiences,
-    Online booking systems for local guides, homestays, and village experiences,
-    Virtual-reality tours that highlight hidden gems, and
-    Payment and financial inclusion solutions for small tourism operators.

The department has partnered with UCT and various multi-sector stakeholders, including the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), Future Leaders Challenge and Geekculture, to implement the hackathon.

“We are pleased to have partnered with UCT on our quest to propel innovation in the tourism sector. This hackathon is a key aspect of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan (TGPP) 2025–2030 to drive tourism product development, job creation, skills development, and economic empowerment through community inclusion.”

“Tourism is open to innovation that will enhance travel experiences, whilst laying the foundation for entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth,” the Minister explained.

She further added that the department’s collaboration with UCT will draw on the institution's expertise in design thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship and financial technology to strengthen the development of practical solutions for the tourism sector.

Beyond the competition, the Department of Tourism and UCT will explore opportunities to support the top three finalists through relevant innovation and entrepreneurship development programmes.

Teams will refine their concepts after the launch, ahead of the final pitching and awards event planned for the fourth quarter of the 2026/27 financial year (January to March 2027).

UCT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela said the university said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening tourism through innovation.

"The University of Cape Town is proud to enter into this three-year strategic partnership with the Department of Tourism. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening tourism through innovation, entrepreneurship and the creation of new opportunities across the sector. 

"It also aligns with UCT’s Strategy 2030 and our commitment to advancing impactful partnerships that drive sustainable development,” Moshabela said.

The Tourism Hackathon strategically contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which promotes sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Through its multi-stakeholder collaboration, it also advances SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). -SAnews.gov.za

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.