The UNWTO Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is aimed at fostering innovation and creativity among young individuals within the tourism sector. As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and empowering youth, the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) has launched this challenge to engage young innovators and entrepreneurs in addressing key challenges and opportunities within the tourism industry.
This is an exclusive platform being provided to innovative African youth in travel and tourism looking for funding, partnership and mentorship opportunities to present their projects to the global market place in order to find the required support for their program.
This challenge encourages young people to develop innovative solutions that align with the principles of sustainable tourism, focusing on areas such as community engagement, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and technology integration. Participants are invited to present their creative ideas and projects that have the potential to positively impact the tourism sector while addressing pressing issues faced by local communities, destinations, and the environment.
The innovation challenge serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs, students, and professionals passionate about tourism to showcase their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and problem-solving skills. It provides an avenue for collaboration, networking, and mentorship, allowing participants to connect with industry experts, mentors, and organizations to refine their ideas and bring them to fruition.
Through this initiative, the UNWTO aims to empower young talents, encourage sustainable practices in tourism, and stimulate the development of innovative solutions that contribute to the growth, resilience, and inclusivity of the tourism sector. The challenge not only highlights the importance of youth engagement but also recognizes their potential to drive positive change and innovation within the global tourism landscape.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the leading global agency responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. Founded in 1975, the UNWTO serves as a specialized agency of the United Nations, addressing various aspects of tourism, including policy development, research, and capacity building, to foster tourism’s positive impact on economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
One of the primary objectives of the UNWTO is to promote responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism that contributes to economic development while safeguarding cultural heritage and protecting the environment. The organization works closely with governments, tourism stakeholders, and international organizations to develop policies, initiatives, and guidelines aimed at advancing sustainable tourism practices globally.
The UNWTO conducts extensive research and analysis on tourism trends, market intelligence, and tourism-related issues. It provides valuable insights and data-driven recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making for governments, businesses, and other tourism stakeholders. Additionally, the organization offers technical assistance and capacity-building programs to help countries develop and implement sustainable tourism policies and practices.
As a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the UNWTO hosts various events, conferences, and forums, bringing together tourism professionals, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to share expertise, best practices, and innovative approaches to address challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector.
Moreover, the UNWTO advocates for inclusive and accessible tourism, aiming to ensure that tourism benefits are distributed equitably among communities and that tourism facilities are accessible to all, including people with disabilities.
Through its multifaceted efforts, the UNWTO plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and social development on a global scale.
Requirements For The UNWTO Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge
- The initiative is inclusive and welcomes participants regardless of gender, race, or physical ability.
- The challenge is open to individuals (youth aged 18-35 years and postgraduate students of all ages globally), partnerships, or corporations innovating within the tourism sector.
Entry Guideline:
To participate, entrants must adhere to the following criteria to avoid disqualification:
- Project Vision and Uniqueness: Clearly outline your project’s vision, its originality,
and authenticity. Explain the rationale behind your innovation. - Evidence of Innovation: Demonstrate how your project addresses a challenge in travel and tourism or a related sector in Africa. Examples include technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, job creation, environmental sustainability, and community development.
- Sustainability and Impact: Highlight how your project delivers long-term benefits
to the tourism industry, local communities, or related sectors. - Timeline: Provide a clear timeline for project implementation.
- Support Needed: Specify the type of support required, such as funding, mentorship, investment, or partnerships.
- Additional Information: Submit relevant supporting details in under 500 words.
- Demo/Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Prepare a 5-minute presentation to showcase your MVP during the competition.
Awards
Winner:
- USD1000 worth of prizes
- Inclusive of the benefits below:
- Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
- Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
- Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
Mentors and Innovators.
1st Runner Up:
- USD500 worth of prizes
- Inclusive of the benefits below:
- Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
- Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
- Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
Mentors and Innovators.
2nd Runner Up:
- USD500 worth of prizes
- Inclusive of the benefits below:
- Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
- Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
- Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
Mentors and Innovators.
Professional Development: Complimentary enrolment in short courses by UN
Tourism.
Career Advancement: Access to mentorship, funding, and partnership opportunities and inclusion in the Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators Network.
Global Exposure: Present your innovation at high-profile events and connect with
industry leaders.
Competition Timeline:
- Challenge Opens: 10th December 2024
- Closing Date: 28th February 2025
- Top 20 Shortlist Announced: 14th March 2025
- Bootcamp: 31st March – 4th April 2025
- Resubmission Deadline: 11th April 2025
- Final Judging: 18th April 2025
- Pitch Battle: 8th May 2025
- Top 5 Announced: 8th May 2025
Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit: 10 – 13 June 2025, Nairobi, Kenya
Winners Revealed: Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2025 (dates to be announced)
NB: Only one entry is allowed per participant.
Application Deadline: 28th February 2025.
For More Information,