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Youth focused Tourism  Technology Innovation Incubator launched
Youth focused Tourism  Technology Innovation Incubator launched

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#YouthInTourism - The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) today launched the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme (TTGIIP) introducing a pool of innovators to spearhead concepts that will stimulate the growth and recovery of the tourism sector. 

 

Twenty (20) tech-savvy entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18 and 35, were selected to begin a two-year journey in tourism’s incubator programme to advance the design and business viability of their prototypes. Once finalised, the innovations will be introduced to the sector and potential investors for funding, implementation, or as resources for new ventures new business entrants  in tourism. 

 

“The partnership with the Department of Tourism is part of TIA’s Hub and Spoke Partnership model that seeks to expand the impact of innovation in the country by forming partnerships with government departments. Through the TTGIIP we will see young people demonstrate the role of technology in catalysing sector growth through the development of enterprises that will stimulate job creation in the Tourism sector,” says Dr. Anitha Ramsuran - Manager Innovation for Inclusive Development (TIA).

 

“We hope that the success of this first cohort of TTGIIP innovators is testament of the role of TIA as industry builder. TIA will play its part in facilitating and translating the Innovations of the twenty (20) tourism entrepreneurs into sustainable enterprises that will make an economic impact not just in the industry but in their communities as well.

 

As the impasse of the COVID-19 pandemic steadily dissipates, the grim economic conditions are a stark reminder for government and the private sector to look beyond conventional business methods to rebuild their economies. 

 

The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan advocates for the use of technology as an integral element in tourism operations. Digitalisation has the potential to open new frontiers, and improve resource management efficiency and sector competitiveness. 

 

Addressing guests at the launch, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela said tourism’s significance in the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) is asserted by its ability to generate demand and production opportunities across various sectors of the economy. Leveraging on innovation and technological advancements bodes well to accelerate the sector’s recovery, whilst creating sustainable and inclusive opportunities that promote industrialisation.

 

“Technology advancements play a fundamental role in the growth and sustainability of tourism. Innovation, coupled with a multi-stakeholder implementation approach that encourages private sector and civil society participation, will be critical to the success of the TTGIIP.   The gains of this initiative will create opportunities on the demand and supply side of tourism - empowering communities, promoting inclusiveness and driving the socio-economic recovery of the sector,” stated Deputy Minister Mahlalela.  

 

The launch of Tourism’s Tech-Innovation incubator takes place aptly in Youth Month as we acknowledge the gains borne out of the actions of the youth of 1976 in the liberation of the country. The youth, who constitute a large majority of the country’s demographic, have been hard hit by the economic devastation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we observe Youth Month under the theme: ‘Promoting sustainable livelihoods and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow,’ we envisage the TTGIIP inspiring and uplifting the youth to pursue their business ideas and innovations that will unlock sustainable livelihoods,” said Mahlalela 

 

“The TTGIIP is aimed at ensuring the meaningful involvement of youth and women in the travel and hospitality industry by capitalising on their intellectual and technological prowess to evolve traditional business systems and practices to stimulate new services, entrepreneurial and job opportunities in the sector,” added the Deputy Minister.  

 

An average of 7.26 billion people worldwide (91% of the global population) own smart phones that grant them access to digital and technological resources to plan their lives. As tourism steadily recovers, consumer demand for diverse and niche tourism offerings will increase. The sector needs to leverage on technology and innovation to meet the demands of traveller.  

 

“Tourism is a people-centred activity that thrives on interaction, exploration and the exchange of our diverse cultural experiences. Technological advancements have delivered the world in the palm of our hands through smart devices, and enabled us to connect and share our experiences – even  through a global pandemic. Leveraging on technological innovation meet the demands of tech-savvy travellers will improve our global competitiveness as a prime destination,  and increase our international arrivals,” concluded Deputy Minister Mahlalela.  

 

For further information on the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme (TTGIIP) visit www.tia.org.za and www.tourism.gov.za 

 

Media inquiries


Department of Tourism

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

Ms. Seapei Lebele                                            

Chief Director: Communications (Acting)

Tel: +27 (0)12 444 6106

Cell: +27 (0)66 487 8709

Email: slebele@tourism.gov.za

Mr. Vusi Langa

Head of Communications

Tel: +27 (0) 12 472 2700

Cell: +27 (0)73 766 0200

Email: Vusi.Langa@tia.org.za