The Programme • Project IGNITE
A groundbreaking national innovation competition empowering TVET students across 4 provinces — from onboarding to live Grand Finale in 12 structured weeks.
Welcome to the Future
The TVET Tourism Challenge is a groundbreaking national innovation competition designed to empower students and alumni from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. We're looking for the brightest minds to revolutionise the tourism sector using cutting-edge technologies.
Our journey begins with ensuring seamless integration for all participants. We've partnered with 30 TVET Colleges across the provinces to onboard 450 students ready to compete, create, and make their mark.
For Colleges
Our collaboration starts with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Once signed, colleges pay a participation fee and identify a minimum of 25 participants to represent their institution.
For Students
Your path to innovation starts here! Get ready to apply through our simple online application and compete for life-changing recognition and prizes.
The Challenge is open to eligible TVET students and alumni who meet all of the following criteria:
For Colleges
Our collaboration starts with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Once signed, colleges pay a participation fee and identify a minimum of 25 participants to represent their institution.
For Students
Your path to innovation starts here! Get ready to apply through our simple online application and compete for life-changing recognition and prizes.
The 12-Week Journey
Each phase is designed to progressively elevate participants from classroom theory to a live, nationally-televised campaign showdown.
College & Student Onboarding
4 Provinces • 30 Colleges • 450 Students
Phase 1: 4 Weeks Theory
15 Students per college • Virtual Classes
Phase 2: Practicals
5 Students per college • On Campus & Virtual
Final Challenge: Televised Campaign
5 Students per college • Live TV
Scroll to view all phases
What You'll Learn
Each theory module was purpose-built in collaboration with industry partners to give students immediately applicable, future-proof skills — from AI analytics to drone cinematography.
Learn how AI tools are transforming destination marketing, visitor analytics, and personalised travel experiences. Students will work with real data sets and AI-powered platforms to identify tourism trends and generate actionable insights for their assigned destination.
Master the craft of digital storytelling across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Students will produce campaign-ready content — short-form video, reels, and photo essays — designed to drive awareness for hidden South African destinations.
From regulations to flight planning and aerial cinematography, students receive foundational training in drone operation for tourism promotion. Teams will incorporate drone footage directly into their destination campaign to create compelling, high-impact visuals.
Understand the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism — how to promote destinations in ways that protect natural assets, respect local communities, and ensure long-term viability. All student campaigns must incorporate a sustainability narrative to be eligible for the Grand Finale.
Entry Requirements
The TVET Tourism Challenge 2026 is open to students and alumni who meet all three of the following criteria.
Age Requirement
You must be aged 18 to 35 years by 1 February 2026. Both current students and recent alumni are eligible to enter.
Qualification
Holding an N6 certificate (or equivalent) in Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Services, Events Management, or Marketing is required.
Province
You must be enrolled at or an alumnus of a public TVET college in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, or Mpumalanga.
Ready to Register?