Applications Open: UNWTO Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 for African Youth (Prizes Worth Up to $1,500)

An exclusive forum created to empower creative African youth in the travel and tourism industry is the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge.

Through the money, mentorship, collaborations, and worldwide exposure chances it offers, participants can showcase their innovative concepts to a global audience and obtain the support they need to realise their ideas.

Requirements

• Regardless of gender, colour, or physical ability, everyone are welcome to participate in this inclusive program.
• Individuals (young people 18 to 35 years old and postgraduate students of all ages worldwide), partnerships, or businesses innovating in the tourism industry are all eligible to enter the challenge.

Entry Guideline:

To participate, entrants must adhere to the following criteria to avoid disqualification:

1. Project Vision and Uniqueness: Clearly outline your project’s vision, originality,
   and authenticity. Explain the rationale behind your innovation.
2. Evidence of Innovation: Demonstrate how your project addresses a challenge in travel and tourism or a related sector in Africa. Examples include technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, job creation, environmental sustainability, and community development.
3. Sustainability and Impact: Highlight how your project delivers long-term benefits
   to the tourism industry, local communities, or related sectors.
4. Timeline: Provide a clear timeline for project implementation.
5. Support Needed: Specify the type of support required, such as funding, mentorship, investment, or partnerships.
6. Additional Information: Submit relevant supporting details in under 500 words.
7. Demo/Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Prepare a 5-minute presentation to showcase your MVP during the competition.

Awards

Winner:

• USD1000 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:

1. Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
2. Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
3. Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
   Mentors and Innovators.

1st Runner Up:

• USD500 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:

1. Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
2. Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
3. Opportunity to be part of an established network of African youth in Tourism
   Mentors and Innovators.

2nd Runner Up:

• USD500 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:

1. Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
2. Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
3. Opportunity to be part of an established network of African youth in Tourism
   Mentors and Innovators.

Professional Development: Complimentary enrolment in short courses by the UN
Tourism.

Career Advancement: Access to mentorship, funding, and partnership opportunities and inclusion in the Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators Network.

Global Exposure: Present your innovation at high-profile events and connect with
industry leaders.

Competition Timeline:

1. Challenge Opens: 10th December 2024
2. Closing Date: 28th February 2025
3. Top 20 Shortlist Announced: 14th March 2025
4. Bootcamp: 31st March – 4th April 2025
5. Resubmission Deadline: 11th April 2025
6. Final Judging: 18th April 2025
7. Pitch Battle: 8th May 2025
8. Top 5 Announced: 8th May 2025

Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit: 10 – 13 June 2025, Nairobi, Kenya

Winners Revealed: Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2025 (dates to be announced)

NB: Only one entry is allowed per participant.

Deadline: 28th February 2025

Click HERE to Apply

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