Applications are now open for the 2025 UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge. This global initiative seeks to identify and support groundbreaking startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs who are driving change in three critical areas of tourism: Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects. The challenge invites innovative solutions that enhance the tourism ecosystem through sustainable practices, community empowerment, and inclusivity.
The goal is to find and support projects that create economic opportunities, promote equality, and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources. Finalists will pitch their ideas at the UN Tourism Tech Adventures, gaining global visibility, and the potential for access to finance, pilot projects, and much more through the UN Tourism Innovation Network.
This challenge is a perfect opportunity for organizations that want to make a social impact while advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism solutions that are both innovative and scalable.
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Benefits
Selected participants of the UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025 will receive incredible benefits that will help their solutions scale and gain visibility on the global stage:
1. Scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation: Six scholarships for Hospitality Education Programmes at the prestigious Les Roches Marbella Campus in Spain, enabling winners to hone their skills in hospitality management.
2. Pitch at UN Tourism Demo Day: Gain the opportunity to present your idea or solution to a global audience at the UN Tourism Demo Day, attracting attention from investors, corporations, and other stakeholders.
3. Access to 90+ Investors: Gain potential funding opportunities through direct access to more than 90 investors who are eager to support innovations in tourism.
4. Access to Top Corporations in 160+ Countries: Network and collaborate with leading corporations from over 160 countries, opening doors to partnerships and new business opportunities.
5. Curated Mentorship Programmes: Access tailored mentorship from industry experts and professionals who can provide guidance on scaling your solution and expanding your impact.
6. Potential Pilot Projects: Engage with private sector collaborators and institutions for potential pilot projects, giving you the chance to test and implement your solution at a larger scale.
7. Plug and Play Benefits:
- Registered profile on Playbook for wider exposure.
- Invitation to participate in the Silicon Valley Summit, connecting you with global innovators and thought leaders.
- Access to talent and synergies within Plug and Play’s extensive portfolio, providing the resources you need to scale up.
8. UN Tourism Online Academy Scholarships: Selected participants will also receive scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy, allowing them to further their education and expertise in the tourism sector.
Name of Organizer
United Nations (UN) TOURISM
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Innovative Nature: Applicants must demonstrate that their solution is innovative and/or disruptive in nature. It should bring fresh ideas or new approaches to solving challenges in the tourism sector.
2. Sustainable Solutions: The solution must offer sustainable and value-added improvements to the tourism sector, with a focus on the themes of community-based tourism, accessibility, and green projects.
3. Technological Leverage: The solution should leverage new technologies and innovative practices in the tourism industry, particularly in areas related to community empowerment, accessibility, and environmentally sustainable practices.
4. Growth Potential: Applicants must demonstrate that their solution has the potential for growth and scalability, making it feasible for wider application within the tourism ecosystem.
5. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): While having a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is preferred, projects that are still in the idea phase or in later stages of development may also be considered.
6. Structured Business Plan: The project or startup must have a well-structured business plan that outlines how the solution will operate, grow, and be implemented.
7. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Projects should contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, responsible consumption, and climate action.
8. Eligibility: Open to startups, scaleups, innovative MSMEs, tourism companies, and organizations focused on creating a positive social, economic, and environmental impact in the tourism sector.
Deadline
5th December,2025.
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