UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025

Deadline: Dec 05, 2025

other

partially funded

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025 is now accepting applications. This global initiative seeks to identify and support groundbreaking startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs who are driving change in three key areas: Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects.

📖 About the Challenge

Tourism continues to be a cornerstone of economic growth globally. In 2023, tourism accounted for 10.4% of global GDP, provided 319 million jobs, and generated over $9 trillion in economic output annually. However, achieving sustainable growth, fostering inclusivity, and minimizing environmental impacts require innovative solutions.

This challenge focuses on enhancing the tourism ecosystem through:

Sustainable practices
Inclusivity
Community empowerment

By addressing these pillars, the challenge aims to create economic opportunities while promoting equality, sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources.

Key Details:

Date Published: September 17, 2025
Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
Sponsor Organization: UN Tourism

🎁 Benefits of Participation

Participants in the UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge will receive the following benefits:

6 Scholarships from the Sommet Education Foundation for Hospitality Education Programmes at Les Roches Marbella Campus in Spain.
Opportunity to pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day.
Access to:
- 90+ Investors
- Top Corporations in 160+ Countries
Curated mentorship programmes.
Potential pilot projects with private sector collaborators and institutions.
Plug and Play benefits, including:
- Registered profile on Playbook.
- Invitation to participate in the Silicon Valley Summit.
- Access to talent and synergies with Plug and Play’s portfolio.
Scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The challenge is open to startups, scaleups, innovative MSMEs, tourism companies, and organizations that meet the following requirements:

Have an innovative and/or disruptive nature.
Offer sustainable and value-added solutions for the tourism sector.
Leverage new technologies and innovative solutions in community-based tourism, accessibility, and/or green projects.
Demonstrate potential for growth, scalability, and application.
Preferably have a minimum viable product (MVP). Projects in the later stages of the idea phase will also be considered.
Have a structured business plan.
Contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

📅 Application Date and Process

Interested candidates can apply by visiting the official application portal. Ensure you submit your application before the deadline.

Application Deadline: December 5, 2025

🌐 Additional Information

For more details about the challenge, visit the UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge.

To apply directly, visit the application portal.

Benefits

6 Scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation for Hospitality Education Programmes at Les Roches Marbella Campus in Spain (more information and conditions, available in the Terms and Conditions below)
Pitch at UN Tourism Demo Day
Access to 90+ Investors;
Access to Top Corporations in 160+ Countries;
Curated mentorship programmes;
Potential pilot project with private sector collaborators and institutions;
Plug and Play benefits:
- Registered profile on Playbook;
- Invitation to participate in the Silicon Valley Summit;
- Access to talent and synergies with Plug and Play’s portfolio;
Scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy.

Reading papers feels like a chore?

Skip the struggle of dense PDFs. Our multilingual audio briefs turn complex research into clear, engaging summaries, perfect for learning while walking, commuting, or cooking.