Project proposals that identify problems or opportunities in the tourism, environmental, social or community development sectors of the Southern Province — and propose innovative, practical solutions — are invited by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau.
The most outstanding proposals are selected through a structured evaluation. The Ruhunu Tourist Bureau provides financial, technical and administrative support for the selected projects, with the facilities needed to implement them.
Each project is implemented by the student group or youth club that proposed it and, on completion, handed over to the public for community benefit.
Focus areas:
- Digital tourism solutions in the Southern Province
- Sustainable development initiatives
- Use of AI technology in the tourism sector
- Tourism development opportunities
- Community challenges in tourism development
- Environmental issues in tourism
- Tourism heritage conservation
- Tourism entrepreneurship
- Sustainable tourism development initiatives
- Creative events related to the tourism sector
Evaluation panel: the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau with tourism professionals, government officials, industry representatives and community leaders.
Who can take part
- Advanced Level students of secondary schools in the Southern Province.
- Members of registered youth clubs in the Southern Province.
How to take part
- Proposals from school students are forwarded to the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau through the tourism club of their school.
- Proposals from youth club members are forwarded through their youth club.
- The call for proposals, the proposal format and deadlines will be published when the challenge opens.
How entries are judged
- Innovation and creativity
- Feasibility
- Sustainability
- Community impact
- Tourism development potential
- Financial viability
Awards
Best Innovation Project — 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, with evaluations up to 10th place at school and youth club levels. Selected projects receive financial, technical and administrative support to be implemented.