Join the 2nd UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition and Lead the Transformation of the Tourism Sector

Deadline: 15 November 2019

Applications are now open for 2nd UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition which is a global initiative with an aim to find and foster the development of startups looking to lead the transformation of the tourism sector.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is The United Nations agency for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accesible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

Awards

Pitch & Connect
- Be one of the top 3 challenge finalists to pitch in front of investors, mentors, leading corporates and international tourism stakeholders during the Grand Finals – one per corporate challenge – in Madrid, Spain, on 21 January 2020.
Network
- Gain a fully sponsored trip and free access to exclusive networking opportunities with tourism leaders and global tourism stakeholders during the Madrid International Tourism Trade Fair 22-26 January 2020 (FITUR).
Pilot & Mentorship
- As a winner applicants will have the opportunity to design a pilot project with the corporate leading applicants challenge and receive world class mentorship.
Pilot & Scale-up
- Win the special award on Sustainability and run a pilot with Globalia, leading tourism corporation in Spain and Latin America, including a 6-week scale-up programme at the wakalua hub in Madrid, Spain.

Eligibility Criteria

They are looking for the most disruptive startups that are transforming the way people travel and experience tourism in the following five categories:
- Deep Tech: Location & Geolocation Data
  - Smart Mobility
  - Rural Development
  - Disruptive Hospitality
  - Smart Destinations
- They are targeting start-ups that:
  - Are in the Early Stage or Series A Stage
  - Are innovative in nature and provide value-added and sustainable solutions for the tourism sector
  - Have potential for scalability and a vision to grow internationally
  - Have a business plan
  - Are in the Both for-profit and non-profit projects