UN Tourism is looking for start-ups and scale-ups with pioneering solutions capable of revolutionizing the tourism sector.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge aims to support projects that use digital technologies to improve tourism, promote sustainability and foster economic growth. Participants are invited to contribute to digital transformation, sustainability, inclusiveness and digital governance in a range of key areas, including: branding and marketing strategies; smart and deep tech destinations; scalable solutions in the educational field; operational efficiency. In these categories, we seek to stimulate innovations to make destinations more attractive, optimize resource management and create intelligent, impactful tourism experiences.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Innovation is a key driver for the future of tourism. This challenge represents a fantastic opportunity to unleash creativity, in support of sustainable and inclusive growth of the tourism sector. We look forward to hearing about the innovative solutions that this global initiative will bring to light. »
This challenge represents a fantastic chance to unleash creativity, in support of sustainable and inclusive growth of the tourism sector
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona added: “Artificial intelligence is expected to contribute USD 15.7 trillion to USD 19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, and generative AI alone 2,600 billion. at 4.4 trillion USD per year. It is a transformative force: AI is the future of tourism – a future of tourism that starts today and is intelligent, efficient and sustainable. »
The Challenge benefits from the support of important partners such as SPARK, the innovation center of Les Roches (Sommet Education group), Unicoin, official cryptocurrency of Unicorn Hunters, and Amadeus and its venture capital for technology companies.
Admission criteria and procedure for submitting applications
The Challenge is open to individuals, teams and companies from around the world. Applicants will be required to submit a detailed proposal outlining their innovative solution, its potential impact on the tourism sector and an application plan. Proposals will be evaluated based on their creativity, feasibility and scalability. The application period is open until March 31, 2025. Finalists will have the opportunity to have a pitch slot at the UN Tourism ‘Tourism Tech Adventures’ Demo Day, by the end 2025.
Winners will receive support to develop and implement their projects and advice from industry leaders and experts on digital innovation during a two-month incubation period at the ‘SPARK Innovation sphere’. They will also be offered the opportunity to present their projects at conferences and major international tourism events, to gain worldwide notoriety and have access to a vast network of tourism professionals and potential investors.
If you are interested, you can find more information, discover other benefits and submit your application on the official Challenge website.
UN Tourism and innovation
Since 2018, UN Tourism has launched 32 innovation challenges and start-up competitions covering more than 150 countries around the world. With more than 20,000 participants, nearly 400 identified top-notch start-ups and more than USD 2 billion in funding, UN Tourism continues its work to foster digital transformation and innovation, in support of achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations. Tourism is a lever for positive transformation and inclusive economic development.
