ZTA ropes in youth innovators to grow tourism

THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has roped in youth innovators from across the country to assist in developing vibrant tourism marketing and service products to aid growth of the sector.

Participating youths have submitted their proposals under the “Tourism Innovative Challenge” and the winners are being announced at provincial level.

The tourism body announced the winners for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province last week during a programme that was graced by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube and senior ZTA officials.

The top three winners in the city were Mr Daniel Nkuzuwalela, Mr Kudakwashe Mabaudhi and Miss Mandisa Nyoni. The trio has developed unique mobile applications that allow travellers to access tourism services and destination through digital gadgets.

Mr Nkuzuwalela, who won the top prize, urged youths to be actively involved in promoting tourism by starting at grassroot level and changing their perspectives about the city and what it has to offer.

“Innovation is fundamental to the success of any civilisation,” he said, adding that Zimbabwe needs to take advantage of its youth dividend.

Mr Nkuzuwalela said his project was a marketing tool for destinations and various service providers in the tourism industry and is based on virtual reality.

Mr Mabaudhi said innovation could assist in tackling problems facing different sectors as it helps differentiate Zimbabwe from other competitors.

“Tourism is a competitive industry as each country has something it offers and innovation is the solution to the problem on how to set Zimbabwe different from its other competitors,” he said.

First runner up Mr Kudakwashe Mabaudhi

Mr Mabaudhi’s ‘Tourism App’ allows tourists to buy tickets, get directions and access information on events happening in different places. He is an industrial and manufacturing engineering student at the National University of Science and Technology.

In her address, Minister Ncube said the youth in Bulawayo should participate in innovation programmes.
“It’s important for the youths in this province to participate in these innovation programmes to position our province competitively to grow the tourism economy and create employment,” she said.

Second runner up Miss Mandisa Nyoni

“Growing the tourism economy implies innovating continuously so that new products and services can be introduced into the market, creating new tourism economic value.”

ZTA chief executive, Ms Winnie Muchanyuka, said they would ensure the presented projects come to life and help grow the tourism sector.

“Our youths are trying to find ways of being gainfully employed and this is the perfect platform for them to come and share ideas with their peers and friends from different universities,” she said. — chronicle.co.zw