The fifth annual Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge (AYTIC) takes place in Swakopmund, Namibia this week. Tourism Update spoke with Barry Clemens, the Chairperson of the Challenge, to find out what the judges are looking for when deciding the winner.

The need for AYTIC was identified the African Tourism Leadership Forum in Ghana in 2018, when it is as decided that more has to be done for the youth in Africa. The first Challenge was then held a year later.

The competition demands nnovative ideas and solutions from the youth that goes beyond technology but are travel, tourism and MICE industry related projects for review and adjudication by a preeminent panel of industry leaders

“We receive 100-200 entries each year, where a final top 10 is chosen. The top 10 is then mentored by the judges for a couple of weeks before the event,” Clemens said.

This is followed by a boot camp a day before the event, where the top 10 can practice their pitches and tie up their final preparations.

“It is crucial for the youth to have a platform to test and improve themselves in the tourism industry. It also vital for them to receive mentorship. They have an opportunity to feature pitches of their companies or products in front of a very valuable audience. The challenge is to have a quality product to be part of the top 10.

“The judges have been selected from people in the industry that are very important to youth development and have skills to develop entrepreneurship and help competitors in the tourism industry,” Clemens added.

The AYTIC has also signed MoUs with the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Durban University of Technology, and Cornell University, where participants in the Challenge programme have the opportunity to receive up to 70% discount at these institutions.

Criteria for winning

Firstly, participants need to solve a problem within the tourism industry that has a positive impact, e.g. job creation. Secondly, challengers also have to showcase good skills and present something viable, Clemens said.

Clemens further stressed that perhaps just, if not more important, is the attitude of the competitors.

Previous winners have also shared tips for those who want to enter the Challenge and elevate their products.

“Africa is the future. There is so much creativity and willingness to work hard to really make a difference. There are many Challenges in Europe, US and Asia, and that leaves a big opportunity for Africa to shine,” Clemens concluded.