South Africa enhances innovation in tourism sector

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, on Thursday, launched the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme (TTGIIP) at the Hilton Hotel, in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The programme will involve a cohort of young innovators who will spearhead ideas to stimulate the growth of the tourism sector through technological advancements.

A total of 20 incumbents between the ages of 18 and 35 will be supported to develop technologies that will facilitate the introduction of new concepts to revive, sustain and create jobs in the sector.

Talita Giqo, 29, an innovator from Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, who is part of the programme said “I started a company, EmboDGtech. We are developing an app that will help travellers check-in online and order services online. It will also provide automated room access."

The applicants were afforded an opportunity to bid to have their innovative tourism tech-solution financed. The successful bidders will participate in a two-year development programme that includes idea finalisation, prototype development, a commercialisation plan, venture capital and other investment financing, market testing and eventual graduation.

The TTGIIP is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Tourism, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and its entity, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as reported by Pretoria News, a parter of TV BRICS.

Photo: Pretoria News