UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competitions
The Startup Competitions are our flagship innovation programme.
They seek for the most disruptive projects that are changing the way people travel and how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are reached all over the world. They provide an exceptional platform for great ideas to continue scaling up through gathering the entire global tourism ecosystem: Member States, startups, institutions, education centers, corporations and investors. This support is translated into mentoring, exposure to the sector and investments form our network.
There are two types of competitions: the generic ones, which solutions are widely spread through the tourism value chain, and the thematic ones, focused on a specific tourism product.
Women in Tech Startup Competition Middle East 2nd Edition 2024
Tourism offers many opportunities for prospective entrepreneurs in tourism-adjacent sectors to grow their businesses and capitalize on the demand for goods and services from incoming tourists. The synergies between tourism entrepreneurship and innovation are well-founded and can be meaningfully strengthened. A key enabler in this regard is fostering environments for investors to empower entrepreneurs to push the sector forward.
4th Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (Open until September)
Following the success of previous editions, UN Tourism in collaboration with Basque Culinary Center launch the 4TH Global Competition for Gastronomy Tourism Startups. Our Mission is to identify challenges and projects, and catalyzing innovations that can transform the Gastronomy Tourism sector in the near future.
UN Tourism Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models (CLOSED)
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria, are once again joining forces to promote innovation, and to harness the immense potential of the tourism industry, reimagining the future of Hotels and New Business Models, by launching the UN Tourism Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models.
Mega Events and MICE Tourism (CLOSED)
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is seeking sustainable and innovative entrepreneurs who can provide SMART solutions for mega events and MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Mega events, which are large-scale events with global impact, can attract visitors, draw attention to destinations, and contribute to short-term economic and social benefits. However, they also pose challenges such as tourist displacement and their long-term effect on destinations. MICE tourism on the other hand involves organizing short-term events for business purposes, which attract high-spending visitors and contribute to local economies. Both tourism activities generate significant tourist arrivals but come with distinct challenges, and we are calling on all startups with innovative solutions for these sorts of events to apply to this competition.
UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East (CLOSED)
Technology has become a driven tool for all travelers and tourism businesses. In the Arab region, 34% of tech focused startups were founded by women, and 57% of science technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates are women. UN Tourism is committed to support Arab entrepreneurs, boosting their tourism business careers. Hence, the industry is always searching for businesswomen with technological solutions and specialized skills to oversee smart digital projects. For this reason, UN Tourism launched a startup competition to find the most innovative tech-driven startups in the realm of tourism, managed by women.
UN Tourism TOURISM TECH ADVENTURES: CANARIAS 2023: GLOBAL STARTUP COMPETITION: ISLAND DESITNATION SUPPORTED BY INFECAR (closed)
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Institución Ferial de Canarias (INFECAR), have joined forces in this global startup competition to source the most innovative and disruptive business models and smart solutions adapted to answer the complex challenges and specific needs of the tourism sector of island destination are facing with in the aftermath of the pandemic.
This competition will source entrepreneurs and stakeholders that can offer innovative and smart solutions for island destinations in a more sustainable way. The call will identify and support those that contribute to the post-pandemic recovery and resilience of the tourism ecosystem of island destinations through the development of innovative and smart tourism solutions and products.
The winning startups will have the opportunity to pitch at the UN Tourism Tourism Tech Adventures: Canarias 2023 (15-16 March 2023), receive mentorship and training by UN Tourism and Partners, become a member of the UN Tourism Innovation Network, and more.
UN Tourism Awake Tourism Challenge (closed)
Seeking to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Startups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate.
3rd Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (closed)
The UN Tourism in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center is launching the 3rd Global Competition for Gastronomy Tourism Startups. We are looking for startups which utilize new technologies, promote sustainability, and positively impact local communities.
In addition to mentorship, investment, and educational opportunities provided to the winners, this competition provides an international platform to showcase your innovative gastronomy tourism startup. The top entrepreneur will have the chance present at the 7th UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum, utilize the LABe-Digital Gastronomy Lab facilities, and more!
Apply by February 28, 2022 and propel your startup to the forefront of the international gastronomy tourism sector.
UN Tourism Global Rural Tourism Startup Competition
(closed)
The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way in which travelers want to experience the world. Tourists are looking for sustainable, safe, convenient, and flexible travel options. Domestic, rural and eco tourism have emerged as the most popular travel choices. As rural tourism expands, it is crucial that tourism benefits both tourists and the local communities. The rising demand for rural tourism experiences coupled with an increased importance placed on local community engagement has provided an opportunity for the economic, social and environmental revitalization of rural areas.
The UN Tourism Global Rural Tourism Startup Competition challenges entrepreneurs to contribute both to the post-pandemic recovery and rural development. Winners will receive mentoring and support from the UN Tourism and our partners as well as investment, scholarship, and networking opportunities. Finally, the winning startups will have the chance to present at the 24th UN Tourism General Assembly in Madrid Spain.
Help us build more resilient rural communities through the UN Tourism Global Rural Tourism Startup Competition! The final pitches will be presented in October, and winners will be announced in November of 2021.
UN Tourism SDGs Global Startup Competition
(closed)
The largest innovation competition to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Startups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate.
2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Basque Culinary Center)
(closed)
Gastronomy tourism continues to be a top election for both national and international travelers. It is no more a trend but a robust tourism product. For this reason, UN Tourism and BCC launched once again the 2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition.
We encourage you to apply and help us accelerate tourism worldwide:
1st UN Tourism Rural Tourism Startup Competition
(closed)
In the wake of the year of Tourism and Rural Development, the UN Tourism encourage Spanish entrepreneurs to come up with solutions for rural development challenges through tourism. The most impactful and innovative solutions will be awarded, as it is a top priority to make our world more sustainable.
2019 competitions
2nd UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Wakalua)
(closed)
The 2nd UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competition gathered over 1700 applications from 150 countries, reaching 12 more nationalities than the previous edition. The format was based on 6 categories, such as: smart mobility, rural development, disruptive hospitality, smart destinations, deep tech applied to geolocalization, and innovative tourism solutions. Each of them was supported by a corporate partner who was actively involved in the selection process. Thus far, entrepreneurs have evolved towards more scalable business models, greater focus on the Sustainable Development Goals and disruptive solutions based on state-of-the-art technologies, highlighting the use of Cloud Front Backend Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Internet-of-Things. The Final was held in Madrid on 20 January 2020 and presented the winners of each vertical and the most exciting tourism insights from international experts.
1st UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Basque Culinary Center)
(closed)
This competition was designed to track the most innovative startups in gastronomy tourism, which merges the best of travelling with the intangible heritage of the destinations. It gathered over 300 submissions from 80 countries with finalists representing Italy, Spain, Israel, the Czech Republic and Japan. These finalists presented their proposals in San Sebastián, Spain on 3 May 2019 within the framework of the 5th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.
1st UN Tourism Sports Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Barca Innovation Hub)
(closed)
This competition received over 100 initiatives from over 50 countries. Participants came up with solutions ranging from new technologies, community-based tourism development platforms, software initiatives and innovation-driven sports tech projects. Finalists made their pitches in the Tourism Tech Adventures: SportsTech Macau on 13 October, 2019.
2018 competitions
1st UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Wakalua)
(closed)
This first edition was launched in the framework of World Tourism Day 2018 and gathered over 3,000 applications representing 133 countries. Its Final was held on the International Tourism Fair 2019 (Fitur) and its winning start-up was the Israeli-based Refundit, which got a funding of 25 € millions from Amadeus Ventures.