Tourism hackathon puts youth innovation and rural inclusion in the spotlight

The Department of Tourism and the University of Cape Town (UCT) will this weekend launch a tourism-focused hackathon aimed at harnessing the creativity and digital skills of young people to address challenges facing the sector.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will officially launch the initiative at the UCT DSchool on Saturday, where 50 students from public and private universities will work in teams to develop practical technology-based solutions for the industry.

The 2026 Tourism Hackathon Challenge is themed “Community-Based Tourism and Rural Inclusion”, with a particular focus on improving the visibility of township and rural tourism businesses and helping them access new markets.

According to the Department of Tourism, the teams will develop working prototypes in areas including digital platforms connecting tourists with township and rural experiences, online booking systems for local guides and homestays, virtual-reality tours showcasing lesser-known destinations, and payment and financial inclusion solutions for small tourism operators.

De Lille said investing in the future of tourism requires greater investment in young people and their ability to use innovation to address real challenges.

“Investing in the sustainability of the tourism sector begins with an investment in the youth,” she said.

The Minister said the initiative would help create a pipeline of young talent equipped with digital skills, mentorship and practical experience while encouraging careers and entrepreneurship in tourism.

The hackathon builds on the inaugural 2025 G20 Tourism Hackathon and forms part of the department's efforts to advance tourism product development, job creation, skills development and economic empowerment through greater community inclusion.

The department has partnered with UCT and several stakeholders, including the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), Future Leaders Challenge and Geekculture.

De Lille said UCT's expertise in design thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship and financial technology would strengthen efforts to develop practical solutions for the tourism sector.

“Tourism is open to innovation that will enhance travel experiences, whilst laying the foundation for entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth,” she said.

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela said the university's three-year strategic partnership with the Department of Tourism reflects a shared commitment to using innovation and entrepreneurship to create new opportunities across the tourism industry.

He said the partnership also aligns with UCT's Strategy 2030 and its focus on partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.

Following the launch, participating teams will refine their concepts before presenting their final solutions at a pitching and awards event scheduled for the fourth quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, between January and March 2027.

The department and UCT will also explore opportunities to support the top three finalists through relevant innovation and entrepreneurship development programmes.

The hackathon also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals.

The initiative is expected to place community-based tourism at the centre of innovation efforts while giving young South Africans an opportunity to develop solutions that could help smaller operators participate more meaningfully in the country's tourism economy.