South Africa’s 2026 Tourism Hackathon is bringing together 50 students from higher education institutions to develop digital solutions aimed at improving community-based tourism and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.
The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the University of Cape Town, has officially launched the 2026 Tourism Hackathon Challenge under the theme “Community-Based Tourism and Rural Inclusion”.
The initiative will see students from public and private higher education institutions work on practical digital solutions to address some of the challenges facing tourism businesses and local communities. The focus is on using technology to improve access to tourism markets, strengthen small tourism enterprises and create opportunities for communities that want to participate more actively in the sector.
During the challenge, participants will work alongside industry mentors and local stakeholders to develop ideas that respond to real challenges within the tourism industry. Their work will focus on finding ways to help community-based tourism businesses reach more customers, improve their operations and become more accessible to travellers.
ALSO READ: South Africa Takes Its Tourism Offering to the Americas at ITB Americas 2026
Community-based tourism plays an important role in connecting visitors with local cultures, heritage and experiences while creating opportunities for residents to benefit economically from tourism. However, smaller businesses and rural tourism operators can face difficulties reaching wider markets and competing in an increasingly digital industry.
The 2026 challenge aims to address some of these barriers by encouraging students to apply their digital skills and knowledge to practical tourism problems. By bringing together young innovators, industry professionals and local stakeholders, the programme also creates an opportunity for collaboration between higher education institutions and the tourism sector.
The latest edition builds on the inaugural Tourism Hackathon held in 2025, continuing an initiative that places digital innovation at the centre of discussions about inclusive tourism development.
Through the challenge, the Department of Tourism and the University of Cape Town are highlighting the potential of technology to support tourism entrepreneurship, improve market access and extend the economic benefits of tourism beyond established destinations.
