Welcome to the Future of Tourism Innovation!

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.

Who Can Join?

The Challenge is open to eligible TVET students and alumni who meet all of the following criteria:

Current students and alumni aged 18-35 by 1 February 2026
Holding an N6 certificate (or equivalent) in Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Services, Events, or Marketing
Enrolled at a public TVET college in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, or Mpumalanga
Onboarding Period
1 - 28 February 2026

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.

Four Phases.
One Grand Winner.

Each phase is designed to progressively elevate participants from classroom theory to a live, nationally-televised campaign showdown.

0
1 - 28 February

College & Student Onboarding

4 Provinces • 30 Colleges • 450 Students

  • MoU signing & participation fee
  • Online student applications
  • Cohort selection & confirmation
01
1 - 28 March

Phase 1: 4 Weeks Theory

15 Students per college • Virtual Classes

  • AI and Analytics in Tourism
  • Storytelling Through Social Media
  • Drone Technology Basics
  • Sustainable Tourism Practices
02
29 March - 25 April

Phase 2: Practicals

5 Students per college • On Campus & Virtual

  • Campaign Conceptualisation
  • Drone Plan Development
  • Marketing Assets Creation
  • Campaign Simulation & Budget
03
Grand Finale
26 April - 23 May

Final Challenge: Televised Campaign

5 Students per college • Live TV

  • Preparation & campaign refinement
  • Present campaign on live TV
  • Video showcase & Q&A with judges
  • 1st, 2nd & 3rd place announced

Scroll to view all phases

Students learning AI and digital tools for tourism innovation
4
Core
Modules

Cutting-Edge Modules Built for the Tourism Industry

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.

TheoryPractical

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.

TheoryPracticalFinal

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.

TheoryPractical

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.

Theory

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.

Are You Eligible
to Compete?

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.

12 Weeks to Change
Your Career Forever.