The majority of entries however have come from Kenya and South Africa, with the competition running for another six weeks.
William Price, global e-marketing manager of South African Tourism, said the purpose of Africa App Quest is to expand apps in the travel sector across the world.
“According to a PhoCusWright study conducted in January this year, nearly 25 per cent of travellers surveyed had purchased a travel product via an app or mobile site. It is predicted that Americans will spend US$8 billion on travel app bookings by the close of 2013, a sharp rise from US$2.6 billion in 2011,” he said.
“It’s not just about last minute bookings: Travellers are using apps for concierge services, maps, translations, price comparisons and location based guides to restaurants; the list is endless. I am very excited to see what innovations the Africa App Quest exposes.”
Entries for the Africa App Quest can include anything from online safari guides and urban directories to game spotting and recording apps, online booking and shopping tools, or apps interpreting local cultures.
All app entries need to be compatible with all mobile devices for iOs, Android and Windows. Any application that uses technology to improve and increase travel in Africa will be eligible.
The competition will end August 16, with judges from Visa, the South African Tourism Board, Betapond (an approved facebook developer), the Kenya Tourism Board, and Trip Advisor deciding on the winner which will receive a cash price of US$10, 000.
Jodie Schorn, head of cross-border marketing for Visa Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Visa recognises the synergy between technology and tourism. We believe the Africa App Quest will showcase some interesting innovations that will not only benefit tourism across Africa, but will help strengthen the growing tech community across the continent.”
Schorn added: “We are committed to growing tourism, especially in-bound travel to Africa and the Africa App Quest further enables this sector to grow and develop.”