Zimbabwean Graduate Wins Tourism Innovation Challenge with AI-powered Platform
A 24-year-old graduate from the University of Zimbabwe has emerged as the winner of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge for her groundbreaking project. Miss Nodumo Ilalele Moyo, along with ICT specialist Mr Jethro Nsimba, developed a digital platform that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to plan, market, and evaluate tourism packages.
Miss Moyo’s project, called Tour Mice, aims to revolutionize the tourism industry by providing an alternative selling platform for both domestic and international tourism. The platform leverages AI to create customized packages based on user preferences and budgets. The innovative approach of Tour Mice caught the attention of the judges, earning Miss Moyo a cash prize of US$1,000 at the provincial finals.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) organized the challenge, which sought project proposals from youth innovators aged 30 and below. Miss Moyo’s Tour Mice emerged as the provincial winner in Matabeleland North, beating out other impressive projects such as The TouristZW and Heritage for sustainability. The first and second runners-up received prize money of US$500 and US$300, respectively.
Miss Moyo expressed her excitement at winning the challenge and shared her vision for Tour Mice. She believes that the platform will facilitate the planning, marketing, and evaluation of events and activities related to tourism. Tour Mice aims to highlight the hidden gems of Zimbabwe, exposing lesser-known destinations to both locals and tourists.
The significance of Miss Moyo’s achievement is not lost on her. She envisions Tour Mice becoming an essential platform for event planners and companies, providing them with a comprehensive tool to manage and promote tourism-related activities. Miss Moyo’s success in the challenge has empowered her to pursue her dreams of transforming the tourism industry, going beyond what was initially imagined.
This year’s Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge is centered on the theme Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability. The challenge encourages young innovators to contribute to the tourism sector by developing products that enhance accessibility, booking systems, hotel searches, and activity improvement. With a focus on sustainability, the projects should also support local communities, promote responsible tourism practices, and reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.
The challenge, organized by ZTA, aims to create opportunities for young innovators and aligns with the government’s objectives of empowering the youth and alleviating poverty. Besides the cash prizes, winners at the provincial and national levels will receive incubation and mentorship assistance. The national winner will be awarded US$5,000.
Miss Moyo will represent Matabeleland North province at the national finals, date to be announced, where she will compete to win the coveted national title and the substantial cash prize. The Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge continues to encourage innovation in the tourism industry, fostering economic growth and sustainable practices.
