Are you an Indigenous entrepreneur or a startup under three years old with a bold tourism initiative that respects culture, empowers communities, and protects the environment? The Indigenous Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open for applications, offering funding and global exposure to innovative projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In collaboration with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), UN Tourism is calling for entries that combine ancestral wisdom, sustainability, and innovative travel experiences. This is your chance to turn your vision into a reality — and put your community on the world tourism map.
What is the Indigenous Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025?
The Indigenous Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 is a regional initiative designed to support early-stage tourism ventures that are led by or deeply connected with Indigenous communities. The challenge recognizes the importance of ancestral practices, cultural preservation, and environmental protection in building sustainable tourism.
Projects must incorporate cultural authenticity, community-driven management, and tangible socio-environmental impact.
Objectives of the Challenge
This challenge aims to:
- Promote economic empowerment in Indigenous communities through tourism.
- Preserve and celebrate ancestral culture, languages, and rituals.
- Encourage local gastronomy and culinary heritage.
- Drive community-led tourism that honors cultural autonomy and sustainable development.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must be:
- An entrepreneur or startup in operation for no more than 3 years (from registration or launch date).
- Proposing a project that aligns with the challenge’s cultural, environmental, and social focus.
- Prepared to demonstrate budget feasibility, innovation, and impact.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Positive community and social impact
- Cultural capital preservation (including Indigenous and Afro-descendant heritage)
- Environmental conservation of protected areas
- Project innovation and transformative tourist experiences
- Budget feasibility and alignment with proposed activities
What You’ll Get (Benefits)
Finalists and winners will receive:
- USD 10,000 investment from CAF to scale their tourism project
- Opportunity to present at UN Tourism Tech Adventures: Indigenous Tourism
- Personalized mentorship from UN Tourism and top partners
- Scholarships to the UN Tourism Online Academy
- Membership in the UN Tourism Innovation Network for long-term visibility and support
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2025
- Semifinalists Announced: July 2025
- Winner Announcement: Fall 2025
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal:
👉 Apply Now via UN Tourism
💬 Expert Tips from Grant Database
“To increase your chances of winning, make sure your proposal is community-led, well-structured, and includes clear impact metrics. Use storytelling to highlight how your idea connects with Indigenous heritage and sustainable tourism. And don’t forget a strong, realistic budget that ties back to your objectives.”
— GrantsDatabase.org Proposal Review Team
Need Help Drafting Your Proposal?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
Our experts specialize in crafting high-impact applications that get funded.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that empowers Indigenous voices and reshapes the future of tourism. The Indigenous Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 is your gateway to international support, recognition, and funding. Apply today!
