The Inter Hotel Challenge is making waves once again as a premier event in South Africa’s culinary and hospitality industries. Now in its 12th year, the competition—organized by Showcook.com—serves as a significant stepping stone for the next generation of hospitality leaders, offering mentorship, and valuable industry exposure​.

We had the privilege to meet some of the teams from Cape Town at the Capsicum Culinary Studio for the cook-off and service presentations.

This year, 30 teams comprising 129 contestants are competing across a variety of categories, including wine stewards, chefs, pastry chefs, baristas, and concierges. Participants are evaluated not just on skill but also on innovation, particularly with an emphasis on sustainability. In the Hot Chef category, contestants are required to use WWF-SASSI-approved green-listed seafood, further underlining the competition’s commitment to eco-friendly practices​.

Judging is carried out by a panel of over 30 esteemed industry professionals, including Hugh Von Zahn, Sandy Harper, and Jean Vincent Ridon, across three regional cook-offs in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban​. The competition culminates in a grand awards ceremony on 4 December 2024 at the luxurious Taj Cape Town, where the top achievers will be recognized.

Past participants have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, including positions in world-renowned establishments such as the Atlantis The Palm Dubai Resort. With extensive prizes such as international internships and educational bursaries, the competition is instrumental in promoting career development and job creation within South Africa’s vital tourism and hospitality sectors​.

As the hospitality landscape evolves, the Inter Hotel Challenge remains a pivotal platform for  driving innovation, and positioning South Africa as a global leader in the industry.