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Student innovators pitch bold future for Philippine tourism

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The future of Philippine tourism took center stage at the 2025 Tourism Start-up Challenge, where young innovators unveiled bold, tech-driven ideas aimed at reshaping the industry.Held on May 12 in Quezon City, the awarding ceremony brought together a new generation of student visionaries challenging traditional tourism narratives and pushing for more sustainable, community-focused approaches.Moving beyond the usual sun-and-sand image, the participants showcased projects that blend digital storytelling, AI-powered travel tools, and sustainability-driven design to spotlight the country’s lesser-known destinations. Their proposals reflect a shift toward a more inclusive tourism model — one that strengthens local communities while offering travelers deeper, more meaningful experiences.This dynamic shift is not merely about increasing foot traffic; it is about crafting a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking tourism ecosystem that empowers local stakeholders while offering travelers a more profound and meaningful connection to the Filipino soul. The Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) awarded a total of P19.25 million to 17 higher education institutions (HEIs) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, whose innovative tourism proposals emerged as national and regional winners of the first ever Tourism Start-up Challenge.Awarded P5 million grant each were three national winners for presenting tourism start-up concepts aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17790747277341000017199.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="950"/>National winner for Luzon Naga College Foundation, Inc. Photo: Teddy Pelaez</div>Naga College Foundation, Inc. was recognized as the national winner for Luzon for its project GoDare, which develops a gamified travel application designed to promote sustainable tourism. Through partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises and local government units, the project aims to support local businesses and provide travelers with unique and engaging experiences.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177907451781120260516_232004.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>National winner from Visayas: Siquijor State College. Photo: Teddy Pelaez</div>Meanwhile, Siquijor State College was hailed as the national winner for Visayas with its project SiquiScan: Smart Destination Management System for Sustainable Tourism in the Island of Siquijor. Their winning proposal is a QR-based mobile and web platform that provides real-time crowd monitoring, tourism information, emergency assistance, and AI-powered assistance for improved destination management.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177907442535820260516_232028.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>National winner from Mindanao: Ateneo de Davao University. Photo: Teddy Pelaez Emerging as the national winner for Mindanao is Ateneo de Davao University. Their project Kuyog: Find and Book Local Tour Guides is a digital travel companion and booking platform that connects tourists with local guides to enhance travel convenience and strengthen community-based tourism.</div>In her welcome remarks, DOT Assistant Secretary Verna Buensuceso said that the student initiative, launched in September 2025, serves as “testament of the limitless mind of the youth that would shape the future of Philippine tourism.”She added that the fresh ideas of these young minds would surely ignite meaningful change in the industry.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17790747859721000017390.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>DOT Asst. Sec Verna Buensuceso led the awarding ceremony. Photo: Teddy Pelaez</div>The Tourism Start-up Challenge is an annual nationwide competition among students enrolled in HEIs with innovative tourism-related projects that compete for funding under the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF).The program generated 156 submissions, which were then subjected to provincial and regional vetting from January to February 2026.Prior to the national selection, 17 regional winners each received P250,000 grants for being chosen as their respective region’s representative in the competition.<div>The 17 regional winners were:</div>Region 1 : PHINMA - University of PangasinanRegion 2: Saint Mary’s UniversityRegion 3: Aurora State College of UniversityRegion IV-A: Lyceum of the Philippines University CaviteRegion IV-B: Occidental Mindoro State CollegeRegion V: Naga College Foundation, Inc.Region VI: Central Philippine UniversityRegion VII: Cebu Normal UniversityRegion VIII: Easter Samar States University -  Guiuan CampusRegion IX: Ateneo de Zamboanga UniversityRegion X: Bukidnon State UniversityRegion XI: Ateneo de Davao UniversityRegion XII: Santa Cruz Mission School Inc.CARAGA: Agusan Del Sur State UniversityCAR: University of the CordillerasNCR: University of the Philippines Asian Institute of TourismNIR: Siquijor State CollegeWith this initiative, tourism continues to open opportunities for innovative and forward-looking Filipino youth. And through their creative audacity, these young leaders are ensuring that Philippine tourism remains a vibrant, evolving force on the world stage.

The future of Philippine tourism took center stage at the 2025 Tourism Start-up Challenge, where young innovators unveiled bold, tech-driven ideas aimed at reshaping the industry.

The future of Philippine tourism took center stage at the 2025 Tourism Start-up Challenge, where young innovators unveiled bold, tech-driven ideas aimed at reshaping the industry.

Student innovators pitch bold future for Philippine tourism

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Student innovators pitch bold future for Philippine tourism

Leony Garcia

Published May 18, 2026 01:46 PM PHT

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Philippine tourism

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2025 Tourism Start-up Challenge

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