UN Tourism Launches Global AI Challenge to Revolutionize the Future of Sustainable Tourism

UN Tourism is looking for start-ups and scale-ups that are revolutionizing the tourism sector through cutting-edge solutions.

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism is launching the Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge, inviting innovative start-ups and scale-ups to submit solutions that enhance tourism, sustainability, and economic growth. The challenge encourages projects in areas such as smart destinations, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. With AI projected to significantly boost the global economy, UN Tourism aims to drive the sector’s evolution through intelligent, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Participants can apply until March 31, 2025, with winners receiving incubation support, mentorship, and global visibility. UN Tourism’s previous initiatives have already mapped over 400 startups and secured more than $2 billion in funding.

(PRESS RELEASE) Madrid, Spain, 2024-Dec-3 — /Travel PR News/ — UN Tourism is calling on innovative start-ups and scale-ups to submit cutting-edge solutions that are set to transform the tourism industry. The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge seeks projects that utilize digital technologies to elevate tourism, promote sustainability, and foster economic growth. Participants are encouraged to explore digital transformation, sustainability, inclusivity, and governance, with a focus on areas such as branding and marketing, smart destinations, advanced technologies, scalable educational solutions, and operational efficiency. The initiative aims to drive innovation that enhances destination appeal, optimizes resource management, and creates impactful, intelligent tourism experiences.

Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, comments: “Innovation is essential for shaping the future of tourism. This Challenge provides a platform for visionary thinkers to drive the sustainable and inclusive growth of the tourism sector. We are eager to witness the groundbreaking solutions that will emerge from this global endeavor.”

Echoing this, Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism Executive Director, emphasizes the potential of AI: “By 2030, AI is expected to add $15.7 to $19.9 trillion to the global economy, with generative AI alone contributing between $2.6 and $4.4 trillion annually. This technological evolution is shaping the future of tourism, and we are seeing a rise of intelligent, efficient, and sustainable solutions that will drive the industry forward.”

Supported by key partners, including SPARK, the Innovation Hub of Les Roches from the Sommet Education Group, Unicoin (the official cryptocurrency of Unicorn Hunters), and Amadeus’ Venture Capital for technology companies, the Challenge offers global reach and robust backing.

The Global AI Challenge is open to individuals, teams, and companies worldwide. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal highlighting their innovative solution, its potential impact on tourism, and implementation strategies. Proposals will be judged on creativity, feasibility, and scalability. The application deadline is March 31, 2025, and finalists will pitch their projects at the UN Tourism Demo Day during the UN Tourism Tech Adventures by the end of 2025.

Winners will benefit from a two-month incubation at the SPARK innovation sphere, receive expert mentorship, and gain the opportunity to showcase their projects at international tourism events. This exposure will provide them with invaluable networking opportunities and potential investment.

UN Tourism’s commitment to fostering innovation is evident in its track record. Since 2018, the organization has launched 32 startup innovation challenges, engaging over 20,000 participants and mapping nearly 400 leading startups, with over $2 billion in funding secured. Through these efforts, UN Tourism continues to promote the digitalization of the tourism sector while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more details and to apply, visit the official Challenge website.

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UNWTO Communications Department
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Source: UNWTO

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