A Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Peace and Governance final year student,
Tadiwanashe Marengo, won US$1000 on Friday last week.
Marengo together with many other youths from across the province participated in the Zimbabwe
Tourism Authority’s 2023 Innovation Challenge that called for youths to come up with innovations
that could improve the tourism sector.
A combined $1 800 dollars was at stake in the challenge, with the top innovator getting a thousand
dollars and first runner up USD500. The second runner up got US300.
The challenge seeks to provide a platform for individuals under the age of 30 to contribute to the
tourism industry by presenting innovative ideas and projects aimed at ensuring the sustainability of
the tourism sector in line with the destination’s vision of being a must-visit and leader in sustainable
tourism in Africa by 2030.
The Tourism Innovation Challenge 2023 was running under the theme “Harnessing Innovation for
Sustainability”, which is centered on sustainable tourism. About 148 projects were submitted
countrywide with most projects centering on the preservation of natural and cultural heritage,
attraction of sustainable tourists, and bringing economic benefits to local communities, and
effectively managing the destination.
Additionally, other projects demonstrated innovative approaches to reducing the carbon footprint of
the tourism industry, supporting local businesses, and promoting responsible and sustainable
tourism practices.
The prize-giving ceremony was held at Twin Lodges in Binduraa week ago on Friday.
The provincial winners will now undergo a six-month – incubation and mentorship programme to
commercialise their ideas.
