The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), yesterday (June 23) launched the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme (TTGIIP), introducing a pool of youth innovators to spearhead concepts that will stimulate the growth and recovery of the tourism sector.
The programme invested in 20 tech-savvy entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18 and 35, who were selected to begin a two-year journey in the 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 into business for tourism growth.
“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,” said Dr Anitha Ramsuran, Manager Innovation for Inclusive Development (TIA).
As the effect 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 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 was shown 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,” 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,” he added.
This programme was launched as South Africa grapples with high youth unemployment (placed at over 60% by the recent Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa).
The Department of Tourism has budgeted R6m (€356 645) over two years for this programme. The TIA has committed to match the funding with an amount of up to R4m (€239 070) that will cover all programme administration, incubation services and project implementation costs.
This will bring the total budget for the project in two years to R10m (€597 677).
