'Virtual Tour Ng' emerges winner at Tourism Hackathon Nigeria 2.0
Posted by Mutmainat Asamu | one year ago | 1,778 times
'Virtual Tour Ng,' a web application combining user-friendliness with Virtual Reality (VR) integration, has clinched the top spot as the overall winner at Tourism Hackathon Nigeria 2.0.
The idea was listed among the top five finalists after scaling through the rigorous selection process.
Virtual Tour, a three-member team hailing from Oyo State, envisions offering innovative solutions to address challenges within the tourism industry.
"We have identified the problems of financial incapacity, accessibility, cultural decline and logistic concerns in the industry", said Nafisat Ogunsesan, the lead presenter.
The Virtual Tour team showcased their concept of enabling tourists to explore Nigerian attractions using VR Headsets during the PYNE-NESG Africa Conference following a demanding selection procedure.
The Hackathon marked the second edition organized by Bedouin Group, under their Hack for Tomorrow initiative, in conjunction with Pyne Hospitality LLC in collaboration with Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and with participation from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) among other notable partners. It is aimed at tackling issues affecting the tourism industry.
In his opening remarks, The Chief Executive Officer of Bedouin Group, Ayoola Gbade-Bello highlighted that the initiative provided a platform for Nigerians between the ages of 18-30 to showcase their innovations, and connect with others.
"Through the Hackathon we aimed to bring together young people from different backgrounds to collaborate and to build digital solutions in relation to specific problems facing the tourism industry,” said Ayoola. “Thanks to all young people who participated in this initiative and submitted their creative ideas and proposals”, he added.
Speaking further, Ayoola noted that the Hack for Tomorrow initiative is to create an avenue where tourism and technology converge, adding that "this year, we have had the pleasure of reviewing thoughtful applications and engaging with extraordinarily bright minds."
Hack For Tomorrow aims to empower individuals with innovative ideas, provide a platform for collaboration and learning, and create sustainable growth and development opportunities.
"Bedouin will continue to organize THN to empower more young people to think innovatively about tourism and deploy financial and mentorship resources to encourage them to transform Africa’s tourism industry through technological innovations.", He added.
Ayoola expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders, partners and sponsors for their unwavering support for the success of the program.
Speaking at the conference themed " Tourism in Africa: Catalyst for Accelerated Economic Empowerment", the President Directors Guild of Nigeria, Dr Victor Okhai emphasized the need for storytelling in the tourism industry.
He said: "Tourism can only succeed in a creative economy with storytelling. If you want to build tourism, build a story."
Okhai further charged Nigerians to embrace telling the story of their country boldly to enable success of the tourism industry.
Responding to the award, the Virtual Tour Team said, "winning THN 2.0 is a life-changing opportunity for us as entrepreneurs and I would like to say ‘thank you’ to Bedouin Group and its partners for the initiative. We are also grateful for the constructive feedback received to improve our solution. We look forward to using this competition’s prize money and networking opportunities to scale up our business and actualize our dreams."
Dignitaries present at the event include Honorable Minister of Tourism, Malawi, Vera Kamtukule; President, Skal International council, Julie Dabaly Scott; Founder, Iba Ajie Asika Resource Centre, Ajie Obi Asika; Vice President, Ghana Tourism Federation, Dr. Kwesi Eyison; Founder, Hayche Lifestyle Network, Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Yusuff, among others.
