Deadline: December 8, 2025
The United Nations Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open for applications. This global initiative seeks to identify and support startups, scaleups, entrepreneurs, and organisations developing innovative solutions that can transform the future of tourism. With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment, this challenge is a unique opportunity for changemakers in the tourism sector to gain visibility, mentorship, funding opportunities, and global partnerships.
Application Deadline
8 December 2025
About the United Nations Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025
The challenge is designed to discover innovative projects and disruptive business models in the tourism industry that address pressing global issues. Special emphasis is placed on solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and capable of generating significant positive impact.
Applicants are invited to submit ideas and projects in the following key areas:
- Community-based Tourism – Empowering and involving local communities in tourism initiatives.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility – Making tourism more accessible for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and travellers with specific access needs.
- Green Projects – Promoting sustainability, environmental regeneration, and eco-conscious tourism practices.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Startups, scaleups, and micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Established tourism companies and organisations.
- Innovators and entrepreneurs with disruptive tourism-related ideas.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should have a structured business plan.
- Having a minimum viable product (MVP) is desirable, but very early-stage ideas are also eligible.
- Projects must align with at least one of the challenge’s focus areas and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What They Are Looking For
The organisers are interested in solutions that:
- Empower and uplift local communities through tourism.
- Improve accessibility and inclusivity in tourism.
- Promote sustainability, eco-consciousness, and regenerative practices.
- Incorporate innovative technology and scalable business models.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected applicants will enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
- Six scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation for Hospitality Education at Les Roches Marbella, Spain.
- Opportunity to pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day.
- Access to 90+ investors and connections with leading corporations across 160+ countries.
- Tailored mentorship programmes from global experts.
- Potential for pilot projects with private sector partners and international institutions.
- Exposure and networking opportunities via Plug and Play (including profile visibility and participation at a Silicon Valley Summit).
- Additional scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy.
Why Apply
This challenge is more than a competition—it is a platform to scale your impact globally. By applying, you get the chance to accelerate your growth, strengthen your network, and make meaningful contributions to sustainable tourism development worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can complete their submissions online. Ensure your proposal clearly aligns with one of the challenge’s focus areas and demonstrates measurable impact.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
For proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us today to increase your chances of success.
