Building Resilient Tourism: UN Tourism’s Europe-Focused Safe Destinations Challenge Seeks Next-Gen Crisis Solutions

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism has introduced the Safe Destinations Challenge to source innovative solutions that reinforce tourism resilience, safety, and sustainability, beginning in Europe, which drew 747 million international visitors in 2024 (58 percent of the global total). The initiative underscores Europe’s exposure to over 1,700 disasters in the past 50 years—ranging from climate events and wildfires to water crises—resulting in more than 160,000 fatalities and over USD 500 billion in economic damages. Open to a broad array of participants—including startups, SMEs, governments, and academics—the Challenge solicits projects in three fields: natural and health hazard management; physical, security, and cyber protection; and crisis communication strategies. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, highlights the sector’s vital economic role and the staggering USD 1.3 trillion loss in tourism export revenues in 2020 due to insufficient crisis planning. Applications close on 31 October 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 2025-Jun-24 — /Travel PR News/ — UN Tourism today unveiled the Safe Destinations Challenge, a pioneering initiative designed to uncover cutting-edge approaches that bolster the tourism sector’s resilience, security, and environmental stewardship. Kicking off in Europe—where international arrivals surged to 747 million in 2024, accounting for roughly 58 percent of global travel—the Challenge seeks solutions that safeguard both visitors and host communities.

Over the last half-century, Europe has endured more than 1,700 disasters linked to climate extremes, wildfires, severe weather, and water crises, tragically claiming over 160,000 lives and inflicting economic losses exceeding USD 500 billion. In light of these sobering statistics, enhancing readiness and crisis-response capabilities has become paramount.

Launched under the Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) Initiative, the Open Innovation Call invites stakeholders across the European region to submit projects that advance tourism crisis preparedness, response, and recovery. Proposals should address one of three thematic areas:

• Natural, Climate, and Health Hazards: Innovations that predict, mitigate, and manage environmental and public health threats to destinations and their inhabitants.
• Physical, Security, and Cyber Risks: Tools and strategies that secure the personal and digital safety of travelers and tourism infrastructures.
• Crisis Communication: Robust communication frameworks that keep communities and visitors informed before, during, and after emergencies.

“Tourism weaves together countless human narratives, and with one in ten jobs worldwide tied to this industry, our ability to forecast and tackle risks is critical,” stated Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism. “In 2020 alone, the price of inadequate planning cost the sector approximately USD 1.3 trillion in export revenue. This Challenge represents a call to forge destinations that are more robust, secure, and centered on people—because resilience isn’t optional, it’s indispensable.”

Startups, scale-ups, innovative micro and small-to-medium enterprises, local governments, academic bodies, and tourism organizations are welcome to apply. Submissions are accepted through 31 October 2025.

About SAFE-D:
The Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) Initiative, spearheaded by UN Tourism, champions a global agenda to fortify crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in travel destinations. Launched in early 2025 at the suggestion of Czechia, SAFE-D Europe responds directly to escalating vulnerabilities—from floods and wildfires to pandemics, cyberattacks, and infrastructure breakdowns—calling on European destinations to elevate governance and resilience in an increasingly volatile world.

Media contact:
info@unwto.org

SOURCE: UN Tourism