Empowering Sustainable, Inclusive, and Green Solutions for Social Impact

Introduction

Tourism remains a cornerstone of global economic growth, contributing 10.4% to global GDP and providing 319 million jobs in 2023 alone—representing 10% of total worldwide employment. With an annual economic output of over USD 9 trillion, the sector’s footprint is undeniable. Yet, as the world grapples with climate change, shifting social dynamics, and the need for more equitable development, tourism must evolve.

The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge seeks to identify and support groundbreaking startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs driving solutions in Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects. By empowering sustainable practices, advancing inclusivity, and strengthening community engagement, this challenge aims to transform tourism into a driver of economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental resilience.

Finalists will be invited to pitch their innovations at UN Tourism Tech Adventures, gaining access to the UN Tourism Innovation Network, potential financing, pilot projects, and global visibility.

Objectives

The challenge is guided by five key goals:

• Innovate: Empower communities, improve accessibility, and promote green tourism practices.

• Adopt: Encourage widespread use of inclusive and sustainable approaches.

• Collaborate: Build partnerships between governments, industries, entrepreneurs, and civil society.

• Sustain: Support long-term solutions balancing growth, equity, and environmental protection.

• Scale: Identify and accelerate innovations with potential for global impact.

Categories

1. Community-based Tourism
   Solutions that empower local communities and actively involve them in tourism and cultural initiatives.

2. Inclusivity & Accessibility
   Innovations that improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities, seniors, and others with specific access needs.

3. Green Projects
   Projects that promote sustainability, regeneration, and environmentally responsible practices in tourism.

Who Can Apply?

The challenge is open to startups, scaleups, MSMEs, tourism companies, and organizations that:

• Offer innovative, sustainable, and value-added tourism solutions.

• Leverage new technologies in community-based tourism, accessibility, or green initiatives.

• Demonstrate growth potential, scalability, and application.

• Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or advanced idea-phase project.

• Present a structured business plan.

• Contribute toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Click here to Apply.

Timeline

• Launch: September 2025

• Application Deadline: 8 December 2025

• Selection of Finalists: December 2025

• Final Event: First Quarter of 2026

Benefits

Participants selected for the challenge will gain access to:

• 6 scholarships from the Sommet Education Foundation for hospitality education at Les Roches Marbella (Spain).

• The opportunity to pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day.

• Access to 90+ investors and 160+ corporations worldwide.

• Curated mentorship programs.

• Opportunities for pilot projects with private sector collaborators.

• Plug and Play benefits including:

  • Registered profile on Playbook.

  • Invitation to the Silicon Valley Summit.

  • Access to talent and synergies with Plug and Play’s portfolio.

• Scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy.

Conclusion

The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to reimagine the future of tourism. By addressing sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment, this initiative ensures that tourism not only fuels economic growth but also advances social justice and environmental protection.

Applications close on 8 December 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to scale your idea globally and shape the future of sustainable tourism.

VISIT HERE for more details.