dyton mupawaenda
Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
A University of Zimbabwe graduate from Nkayi District is this year’s winner of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge after she came up with a digital platform that uses artificial intelligence to plan, market, and evaluate tourism packages.
Miss Nodumo Ilalele Moyo (24), a former John Tallach High School pupil and an economics graduate, came up with the idea in December last year and roped in information communication technology (ICT) specialist Mr Jethro Nsimba, to come up with a project prototype, which she says will revolutionise tourism by offering an alternative selling platform for both domestic and international tourism.
Miss Moyo was presented with US$1 000 at the recent Matabeleland North provincial finals of the third challenge in Victoria Falls.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), which organises the tourism challenge, organised the provincial finals.
Project proposal submissions were opened early this year for youth innovators aged 30 and below.
Miss Moyo emerged the provincial winner with her project “Tour Mice”, in a close contest with Mr Tawanda Munemo and Ms Botsi Lyra Noko who were first and second runners up with their projects “The TouristZW” and “Heritage for sustainability”.
The first and second runners up received US$500 and US$300 prize money in absentia.
Miss Moyo said she was excited to win the contest and would represent the province at the national finals whose date is yet to be announced.
Only Harare Metropolitan and Matabeleland North have held their provincial finals ahead of the national finals where the winner will walk away US$5 000 richer.
“I participated and won the prize today for the Tour Mice product. I conceived the idea in December last year and it started off when I was planning for my mother’s graduation because I had to look for everything and it was so exhausting,” said Miss Moyo.
“So, I wished there was something I could use online to try and get prices and rates all in one place. That is when I heard of the innovation challenge and I had to put up an idea that I would pitch.
“I came up with a plan to make something that can market the destination and make it easily accessible. Our project ‘Tour Mice’ is a digital platform that leverages artificial intelligence to plan and market and evaluate events and activities. It seeks to expose and market tourism gems around the country,” said the youthful innovator.
She said artificial intelligence comes in when one wants to custom-make a package for the user where one puts a budget, type of events, number of delegates and type of décor they want. It is through artificial intelligence that the whole package is put together.
She said the application is usable and very necessary to the industry especially for domestic tourism, where locals need to see other areas in Zimbabwe other than traditional destinations.
“I see many companies, event planners incorporating ‘Tour Mice’ as a platform to plan, market and evaluate their events and network. I can’t believe it, I feel empowered by winning this challenge and I can’t wait to see it go as far as no one ever imagined,” said an excited Miss Moyo.
This year’s challenge is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability”.
ZTA Matabeleland North regional manager Mr Daniel Mumpande said the thrust is for innovators to come up with products that enhance tourism.
“The innovation challenge started in 2021 and this is the third challenge, which started in May when a call was made for youths below the age of 30 years to write proposals of their projects,” he said.
“Youth should come up with projects that contribute in any way to tourism, especially in terms of helping with the booking system, search for hotels and lodges, improving activities and packages.
“So, in short it is about any product that helps tourism in any aspect to make the product accessible to everyone. After the provincial final, they will go to the national final but dates are not yet out.”
Tatenda Safaris owner, Mrs Tatenda Gunda, in a motivational speech, said the tourism Innovation challenge is a platform aimed at creating opportunities for young innovators to participate in the tourism value chain.
This is in line with the Government’s thrust of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in marginalised groups.
Projects submitted by participants should showcase how they can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, attract sustainable tourism, bring economic benefits to local communities, and effectively manage the destination.
Through this initiative ZTA will also partner with other innovation hubs to incubate and mentor selected project winners. Projects should demonstrate innovative approaches to reducing the carbon footprint of the tourism industry, supporting local businesses, and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
They should not only be creative, but also feasible, scalable, and impactful in the long-term.
Besides prize money, provincial and national winners get incubation and mentorship assistance.
Mr Jeffrey Takunda Murungweni from Manicaland province was the national winner in 2021 while last year it was Mr Tumelo Mabanga from Harare.
Victoria Falls town clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube, who was guest of honour with his speech read by Premier Lodge proprietor Mr Tendai Nemaungwe, said there is need to continuously develop new tourism products and services to ensure sustainable tourism.
Online Reporter