Capegemini Hosts AI Hackathon in Egypt in Big Boost to African Tourism

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Capgemini has launched an innovative hackathon titled “Hack the Future of Tourism in Egypt” at the AI Everything Middle East & Africa 2026 Summit in Cairo. 

Travel and Tour World reports that the event brought together 24 talented students and recent graduates, who formed six teams to create AI-powered prototypes aimed at revolutionising Egypt’s tourism sector. Over two intense days, participants focused on enhancing every stage of the travel journey, from trip planning and discovery to on-site engagement and memorable experiences. 

According to Arab Finance, this initiative aligns seamlessly with Egypt’s national digital transformation agenda and was delivered in partnership with Capgemini’s Global Delivery Centre and its new AI Centre of Excellence in Cairo. It underscores the growing influence of artificial intelligence in driving tourism innovation, particularly in a destination like Egypt, which is aggressively adopting digital tools to elevate its world-class heritage sites and visitor offerings.

Innovative AI Solutions Tackling Real Tourism Challenges

The hackathon teams developed practical AI prototypes addressing key pain points in the tourism industry. These included intelligent AI tour guides that deliver tailored recommendations based on individual preferences, past travels, and live contextual data; advanced itinerary optimisation tools that maximise time, budget, and enjoyment; augmented reality (AR) storytelling features that vividly animate historical and cultural landmarks for immersive engagement; predictive analytics for demand forecasting to optimise operations; and real-time translation systems that break down language barriers for seamless international communication.

Such solutions not only empower tourism operators with greater efficiency and streamlined processes but also create highly personalised, frictionless experiences that delight visitors and encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Tourism Innovators

Atta Travels notes that the top-performing teams secured coveted spots in Capgemini Egypt’s Young Professionals Program, gaining access to comprehensive training, expert mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to global-scale tourism technology projects. Throughout the event, Capgemini mentors led design-thinking workshops, offering hands-on guidance to help participants refine their AI concepts into viable, impactful tools.

By investing in young talent, Capgemini is cultivating a skilled pipeline of tourism technologists ready to spearhead Egypt’s digital tourism evolution and tackle emerging opportunities in tech-integrated travel.

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Advancing Egypt’s Tech-Driven Tourism Strategy

This hackathon fits perfectly with Egypt’s broader tourism modernisation efforts, which prioritise upgrading infrastructure, enriching visitor experiences, and leveraging AI to gain a competitive edge. Technologies such as AI chatbots, mobile booking platforms, and virtual tours are already reshaping how travellers discover, plan, and enjoy destinations, delivering faster service, real-time insights, and greater satisfaction.

Championing Sustainable Tourism with Smart Tech

Egypt is also channelling AI and digital innovations toward sustainable practices, including better resource management, energy optimisation, and waste minimisation. The AI Centre of Excellence is pioneering eco-focused tools, while digital enhancements to geotourism, such as interactive maps and virtual explorations of UNESCO Global Geoparks, promote low-impact visitation and preserve natural and cultural assets. These efforts appeal strongly to environmentally conscious travellers seeking responsible, authentic adventures.

A Bright Horizon for AI-Powered Tourism in Egypt

With AI advancing rapidly, its integration promises exponential benefits for tourism: superior personalisation, operational excellence, and eco-conscious growth. Egypt is emerging as a frontrunner in digital tourism, bolstered by initiatives such as upcoming chartered flights from Japan in May 2026 that target premium cultural travellers. AI solutions will be pivotal in boosting efficiency, guest delight, and long-term sustainability, positioning Egypt as a top global destination.

Capgemini’s “Hack the Future of Tourism in Egypt” marks a pivotal milestone in this digital shift. By harnessing AI innovation and empowering the next wave of technologists, Egypt is poised to lead in tourism technology, delivering world-class, cutting-edge experiences that captivate global visitors.

AI and Digital Transformation in Nigeria and Africa’s Tourism Sector

In Nigeria, as of February 2026, the tourism sector remains significantly underdeveloped relative to its vast cultural, natural, and historical potential, often described as a “hidden goldmine” with untapped assets across 774 Local Government Areas. 

Recent developments show accelerating digital momentum: Nigeria hosted the 68th UN Tourism. Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2025 under the theme “Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism via Innovation, AI, and Creative Industries in Africa,” emphasising AI’s role in inclusive growth. Adoption of AI in hospitality (e.g., chatbots, predictive tools) is growing, though constrained by infrastructure gaps such as power and connectivity, as well as concerns over costs, data privacy, and human-centric service preferences. 

Broader national efforts include NITDA’s AI strategy, plans for AI-focused data centres by 2026, free high-speed WiFi at major airports, and projections of ₦484 billion in annual revenue from AI-powered tourism networks that will unlock local creative economies. Partnerships with global players and events like GITEX Nigeria highlight rising enthusiasm, with 85% of African tourism businesses (including Nigerian ones) using or planning AI. However, challenges persist in digital literacy, funding, and branding consistency, slowing full-scale transformation compared to Egypt’s more targeted push.

AI adoption could profoundly transform Africa’s tourism by enabling personalised experiences, predictive operations, sustainable practices (e.g., virtual tours that reduce physical strain on sites), and leapfrogging infrastructure limitations through digital marketing and immersive tools, potentially adding billions to GDP and millions of jobs. 

For Nigeria specifically, AI could unlock revenue streams (e.g., via decentralised networks and virtual tourism), enhance global visibility through targeted storytelling, boost diaspora and international arrivals with seamless tools such as real-time translations and itinerary planners, create jobs in tech-tourism hybrids, and support economic diversification beyond oil. 

If Nigeria mirrors Egypt’s youth-focused, collaborative models (e.g., hackathons, mentorship), it could overcome barriers, attract eco-conscious and high-value travellers, improve competitiveness against digitally advanced destinations, and drive sustainable growth, turning untapped potential into a major economic driver.

Inspired by Egypt’s AI tourism breakthrough? Dive deeper into Africa’s digital travel revolution. Explore more stories on innovative tech reshaping destinations across the continent right here on our website!

 

FAQs

1. What was the main goal of Capgemini’s “Hack the Future of Tourism in Egypt” hackathon?  

The main goal of the hackathon was to empower young innovators to build AI prototypes that enhance the entire tourist journey, from planning to on-site experiences, in line with Egypt’s digital tourism strategy.

2. What kinds of AI solutions came out of the hackathon?

Key prototypes included personalised AI tour guides, itinerary optimisers, AR storytelling for historical sites, predictive demand tools, and real-time language translation to improve accessibility and engagement.

3. How does this event support sustainable tourism in Egypt?  

Promoting digital tools such as virtual tours and interactive maps for geotourism sites reduces environmental impact, optimises resource use, and attracts eco-conscious travellers seeking responsible experiences.

4. Who participated, and what opportunities did winners receive?  

24 students and graduates formed teams; top performers joined Capgemini Egypt’s Young Professionals Program for training, mentorship, and real-world tourism tech projects.

5. Why is AI important for the future of tourism in destinations like Egypt?  

 AI delivers personalised, efficient, and immersive experiences while boosting operational sustainability, helping countries like Egypt lead globally in high-tech, visitor-focused travel.