Innovación y transformación digital

InInnovación y transformación digital

Los UN Tourism Challenges & Startup Competitions son nuestro programa estrella de innovación.

El Departamento de Innovación, Educación e Inversiones de ONU Turismo da un uso estratégico a las competiciones de empresas emergentes (startups) y en expansión (scaleups) y los desafíos de innovación (Innovation Challenge), pues aprovecha los resultados de estos proyectos emblemáticos y los integra en la cadena de valor del turismo. Estas iniciativas constituyen una parte fundamental de la estrategia global adoptada por ONU Turismo en aras de un mejor ecosistema turístico mundial, en consonancia con la prioridad número 4 de su Programa de trabajo, a saber, impulsar la inversión y ampliar la innovación. Esta prioridad se centra en facilitar el acceso a la financiación y acelerar la adopción de nuevos modelos de negocio, con miras a potenciar progresos significativos en todo el sector.

Nuestras competiciones de startups y empresas en expansión y nuestros desafíos de innovación están diseñados con meticulosidad, al objeto de localizar las empresas emergentes y los innovadores capaces de presentar soluciones listas para su aplicación inmediata, con miras a acelerar la consecución de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible gracias a los avances tecnológicos y sociales. Estas competiciones facilitan la integración de soluciones punteras en diversos aspectos de la industria turística y abordan, entre otros, aspectos como la sostenibilidad, el alojamiento, la gastronomía y los deportes, en aras de una transformación progresiva de los destinos en destinos inteligentes, con la ayuda de tecnologías de vanguardia, como las herramientas de IA.

Además, ONU Turismo presta un apoyo efectivo a los Estados Miembros mediante la puesta en marcha de convocatorias específicas dirigidas a los emprendedores de determinadas regiones. Esto permite a los ecosistemas turísticos nacionales identificar nuevos talentos, con vistas a tratar cuestiones apremiantes, y fomenta un entorno propicio para la innovación y el crecimiento. Al facilitar estas iniciativas, la Organización pretende fomentar la inversión y la innovación en todo el panorama turístico mundial, para así consolidar el desarrollo sostenible, la creación de empleos de calidad, la igualdad de género y la mejora de las oportunidades económicas en el seno del sector.

Competiciones abiertas

El Reto de Turismo Indígena de América Latina y el Caribe
El Reto de Turismo Indígena de América Latina y el Caribe

El Reto de Turismo Indígena de América Latina y el Caribe, en colaboración con el Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe (CAF), se centra en iniciativas de turismo sostenible que respetan y destacan las culturas y los entornos indígenas. Este desafío promueve el empoderamiento económico a través de emprendimientos comerciales duraderos, la revitalización de las tradiciones culturales, la promoción de la gastronomía y la artesanía indígenas locales, y el desarrollo turístico en el plano comunitario. Fomenta la oferta de experiencias turísticas auténticas, respetuosas y sostenibles, pues promueve el papel del turismo en el desarrollo duradero de las comunidades indígenas.

Reto Global de Inteligencia Artificial de ONU Turismo
Reto Global de Inteligencia Artificial de ONU Turismo

Con la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) y tecnologías avanzadas que transforman la industria de los viajes, 2024 presenta un momento clave para redefinir el turismo. Con la recuperación completa de los viajes internacionales, el reto se centra en utilizar la IA para mejorar los servicios personalizados, optimizar las operaciones y elevar la experiencia del cliente, ofreciendo soluciones escalables que aporten resultados medibles.

UN Tourism Open Innovation Challenge France: Collaborations between French Travel Tech Startups and Large Tourism Companies
UN Tourism Open Innovation Challenge France: Collaborations between French Travel Tech Startups and Large Tourism Companies

Organized by UN Tourism and the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industry, the Open Innovation Challenge France aims to reward the best collaborations between travel tech startups and large companies. The Challenge brings together travel tech startups, large corporations, public institutions, investors, and the academic community.

Competiciones cerradas 2024

El Reto de Innovación en Turismo Comunitario de Colombia
El Reto de Innovación en Turismo Comunitario de Colombia

El Reto de Innovación en Turismo Comunitario de Colombia, una iniciativa de colaboración entre ONU Turismo, el Viceministerio de Turismo de Colombia y el Fondo Nacional de Turismo (FONTUR), tiene como objetivo dar impulso a los proyectos de turismo comunitario que posicionen a Colombia como un destino de primer orden en ese sector. Centrado en la sostenibilidad y la resiliencia, este desafío está dirigido a emprendedores, organizaciones comunitarias y empresas colombianas que se dedican al turismo comunitario. La iniciativa no solo busca estimular la innovación y el crecimiento dentro del sector, sino también garantizar la contribución significativa de los proyectos seleccionados a los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible. Tiene por objeto mejorar la calidad de vida de las comunidades locales y promover prácticas turísticas responsables y sostenibles en Colombia. El desafío y el evento final están diseñados para fomentar el acometimiento de iniciativas innovadoras y fortalecer las estrategias competitivas, la promoción y el marketing de las empresas de turismo vinculadas a la comunidad.

Reto de innovación en Turismo Comunitario: Colombia
Reto de innovación en Turismo Comunitario: Colombia

ONU Turismo y el Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe (CAF) unen fuerzas en una iniciativa trascendental para potenciar el impacto transformador del turismo, con un enfoque central en los Proyectos Verdes. Nuestro objetivo es revitalizar la industria promoviendo la innovación con un impacto significativo en la infraestructura sostenible, reduciendo las emisiones y los residuos, pero también en el ámbito social, promoviendo el turismo rural y comunitario y generando nuevas experiencias turísticas, todo ello catalizado por proyectos verdes en el sector.

Women in Tech Startup Competition Middle East 2nd Edition 2024
Women in Tech Startup Competition Middle East 2nd Edition 2024

UN Tourism and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) join forces in a momentous initiative to enhance the transformative impact of tourism, with a central focus on Green Projects. Our objective is to revitalize the industry by promoting innovation with a significant impact on sustainable infrastructure, reducing emissions and waste, but also in the social sphere, promoting rural and community tourism and generating new tourist experiences, all catalyzed by green projects in the sector.

4th Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition
4th Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition

Following the success of previous editions, UN Tourism in collaboration with Basque Culinary Center launch the 4TH Global Competition for Gastronomy Tourism Startups. Our Mission is to identify challenges and projects, and catalyzing innovations that can transform the Gastronomy Tourism sector in the near future.

UN Tourism Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models
UN Tourism Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria, are once again joining forces to promote innovation, and to harness the immense potential of the tourism industry, reimagining the future of Hotels and New Business Models, by launching the UN Tourism Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models.

Closed competitions 2023

Moroccan National Tourism Startup Competition: Invest in the Development of Moroccan Tourism
Moroccan National Tourism Startup Competition: Invest in the Development of Moroccan Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Moroccan Agency of Tourism Development Société Marocaine d’Ingénierie Touristique (SMIT), have joined forces in this national startup competition to source the most innovative and disruptive business models adapted to the tourism needs of future generations.

UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East
UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East

Technology has become a driven tool for all travelers and tourism businesses. In the Arab region, 34% of tech focused startups were founded by women, and 57% of science technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates are women. 

Competition for Innovative Experiences in Community Tourism in Panama
Competition for Innovative Experiences in Community Tourism in Panama

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) launched the Competition for Innovative Community Tourism Experiences with the objective of developing new marketable and sustainable tourism experiences that highlight the natural and cultural heritage of Panama, as well as the authenticity of our local communities, improving the quality of life of its residents.

Mega Events and MICE Tourism
Mega Events and MICE Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is seeking sustainable and innovative entrepreneurs who can provide SMART solutions for mega events and MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Mega events, which are large-scale events with global impact, can attract visitors, draw attention to destinations, and contribute to short-term economic and social benefits. 

TOURISM TECH ADVENTURES: CANARIAS 2023
UN Tourism TOURISM TECH ADVENTURES: CANARIAS 2023: GLOBAL STARTUP COMPETITION: ISLAND DESITNATION SUPPORTED BY INFECAR

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Institución Ferial de Canarias (INFECAR), have joined forces in this global startup competition to source the most innovative and disruptive business models and smart solutions adapted to answer the complex challenges and specific needs of the tourism sector of island destination are facing with in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Closed competitions 2022

UN Tourism Awake Tourism Challenge
UN Tourism Awake Tourism Challenge

Seeking to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Startups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate.

Education for the Future
Regional Challenge in Central America and the Caribbean for Innovation and Digitization of Education through the Tourism Sector: Education for the Future

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), together with Save the Children Dominican Republic launched the regional startup competition focused on Education for the Future. The competition seeks to find disruptive solutions that can offer new educational opportunities through the tourism sector. Through the competition, we want to give the opportunity to young people, being the prosperity of the economy, to develop in their career.

3rd Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition
3rd Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition

The UN Tourism in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center is launching the 3rd Global Competition for Gastronomy Tourism Startups.  We are looking for startups which utilize new technologies, promote sustainability, and positively impact local communities.

Closed competitions 2021

UN Tourism Global Rural Tourism Startup Competition
UN Tourism Global Rural Tourism Startup Competition

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way in which travelers want to experience the world. Tourists are looking for sustainable, safe, convenient, and flexible travel options. Domestic, rural and eco tourism have emerged as the most popular travel choices. As rural tourism expands, it is crucial that tourism benefits both tourists and the local communities.

NEOM: Tourism Experiences of the Future
NEOM: Tourism Experiences of the Future

Calling all Saudi entrepreneurs! Make your mark on the world’s most cutting edge tourist destination: NEOM. NEOM, the first independent international zone located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, redefines our way of life – offering an intelligent, innovative, and sustainable new model.

Nuevas experiencias turísticas impulsado por Procolombia
Nuevas experiencias turísticas impulsado por Procolombia

La OMT y Procolombia, la entidad encargada de promover el turismo, la inversión extranjera en Colombia, las exportaciones no minero energéticas y la imagen del país, invitan a participar en la convocatoria para identificar aquellos productos turísticos que apuestan por un sector cada vez más sostenible, inclusivo e innovador.

Hospitality Challenge
Hospitality Challenge

With modern society immersed in an unprecedent situation, The Hospitality Challenge is a global call aiming to receive projects that can help hospitality sector reboot. Now, as the industry restarts, this competition is designed to identify ideas and individuals capable of accelerating recovery while promoting inclusivity and sustainability in the sector to invent the hospitality of tomorrow.

The 30 finalists will be eligible for full scholarships in 15 different programmes in Hospitality, Culinary and Pastry Arts Management, (Bachelors, Masters, MBAs) offered in the world-class academic institutions of Sommet Education: Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland and London, Les Roches Crans-Montana in Switzerland, Les Roches Marbella in Spain and École Ducasse in France.

Among the 30 winners, the top three most innovative entrepreneurial projects will be granted funding to support their initial development by Eurazeo, leading global investment group from which Sommet Education is a portfolio Company.

We encourage you to participate in the Hospitality Challenge. We need your solutions!

Closed competitions 2020

UN Tourism SDGs Global Startup Competition
UN Tourism SDGs Global Startup Competition

The largest innovation competition to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Startups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate.

2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Basque Culinary Center)
2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Basque Culinary Center)

Gastronomy tourism continues to be a top election for both national and international travelers. It is no more a trend but a robust tourism product. For this reason, UN Tourism and BCC launched once again the 2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition.

1st UN Tourism Rural Tourism Startup Competition
1st UN Tourism Rural Tourism Startup Competition

In the wake of the year of Tourism and Rural Development, the UN Tourism encourage Spanish entrepreneurs to come up with solutions for rural development challenges through tourism. The most impactful and innovative solutions will be awarded, as it is a top priority to make our world more sustainable.

Smart Solutions for Smart Destinations Challenge
Smart Solutions for Smart Destinations Challenge

The World Tourism Organization together with Athletic Club of Bilbao and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia have launched the Smart Solutions for Smart Destinations Challenge to drive innovation and promote entrepreneurship in tourism.

This new challenge is designed for startups with innovative and intelligent ideas to maximize the visitor experience in stadiums or at events. All solutions must facilitate the entire tourist experience, including before and after an event not just during it.

In particular, the competition is looking for ideas whose benefits will be felt throughout the wider Bizkaia region, complementing the work of Athletic Club.

The winning startups will be given the chance to work alongside Athletic Club for six months to develop a pilot project. 

Healing Solutions for Tourism Challenge
Healing Solutions for Tourism Challenge

UNWTO received over 1,000 applications from over 100 countries for the Healing Solutions for Tourism Challenge, launched to identify the most disruptive startups, entrepreneurs and drive solutions to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on tourism. 

UN Tourism INSPIRATION AFRICA BRANDING CHALLENGE
UN Tourism INSPIRATION AFRICA BRANDING CHALLENGE

The UN Tourism Inspiring Africa - Branding Challenge gathered key actors from the marketing and branding sector to present their proposals for a campaign that positions Africa as a destination in the minds of travellers. 

Closed competitions 2019

2nd UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Wakalua)

The 2nd UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competition gathered over 1700 applications from 150 countries, reaching 12 more nationalities than the previous edition. The format was based on 6 categories, such as: smart mobility, rural development, disruptive hospitality, smart destinations, deep tech applied to geolocalization, and innovative tourism solutions. Each of them was supported by a corporate partner who was actively involved in the selection process. Thus far, entrepreneurs have evolved towards more scalable business models, greater focus on the Sustainable Development Goals and disruptive solutions based on state-of-the-art technologies, highlighting the use of Cloud Front Backend Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Internet-of-Things. The Final was held in Madrid on 20 January 2020 and presented the winners of each vertical and the most exciting tourism insights from international experts.

More information

1st UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Basque Culinary Center)

This competition was designed to track the most innovative startups in gastronomy tourism, which merges the best of travelling with the intangible heritage of the destinations. It gathered over 300 submissions from 80 countries with finalists representing Italy, Spain, Israel, the Czech Republic and Japan. These finalists presented their proposals in San Sebastián, Spain on 3 May 2019 within the framework of the 5th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.

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1st UN Tourism Sports Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Barca Innovation Hub)

This competition received over 100 initiatives from over 50 countries. Participants came up with solutions ranging from new technologies, community-based tourism development platforms, software initiatives and innovation-driven sports tech projects. Finalists made their pitches in the Tourism Tech Adventures: SportsTech Macau on 13 October, 2019.

Closed competitions 2018

1st UN Tourism Tourism Startup Competition (powered by Wakalua)

This first edition was launched in the framework of World Tourism Day 2018 and gathered over 3,000 applications representing 133 countries. Its Final was held on the International Tourism Fair 2019 (Fitur) and its winning start-up was the Israeli-based Refundit, which got a funding of 25 € millions from Amadeus Ventures.