UN Tourism Safe Destinations Challenge
The UN Tourism Safe Destinations Challenge is an open innovation call for tourism crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in the European region.
ApplyThe UN Tourism Safe Destinations Challenge is an open innovation call for tourism crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in the European region.
Why Apply?
The UN Tourism Safe Destinations Challenge is an open innovation call for tourism crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in the European region. It targets startups, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and public-sector stakeholders, focusing on solutions for natural hazards, climate and health-related hazards, safety, security, and cyber threats for tourists and destinations. The competition offers mentorship, global visibility, tailored support, networking opportunities, and scholarships. Participants can pitch their solutions, gain mentorship from UN Tourism Partners, and receive global visibility through media promotion. The challenge aims to identify and support innovative solutions to enhance the safety, security, and resilience of tourism destinations across Europe.
Who can apply?
Innovation
Demonstrate innovation or disruption by introducing value-added, sustainable approaches to strengthen crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in tourism across Europe
Technology Leverage
Leverage emerging technologies, particularly in relation to climate resilience, hazard response, cybersecurity, and tourist safety, aligned with green and digital transitions
Business Model
Present new or complementary business models that contribute to the resilience and economic continuity of tourism in destinations vulnerable to climate and health-related hazards, conflict, infrastructure failure, or political instability
Scalability
Be scalable, showing strong potential for replication across European destinations, especially those that are seasonal, remote, or highly dependent on tourism
Minimum Viable Product
Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or a clearly defined and fundable project idea ready to move toward implementation
Digital Transformation
Promote digital transformation, environmental innovation, and meaningful community involvement, especially in the preservation and protection of destination assets
Innovation Encouragement
Encourage all forms of innovation from technological tools and early warning systems to new governance models, risk management protocols, communication platforms and social resilience frameworks that support both visitors and host communities
Timeline
- 19 June 2025: Launch
- 31 October 2025: Submission Period
- November 2025: Evaluation
- Winter 2025-2026: Pitch Event
Benefits
Mentorship
Mentorships by UN Tourism Partners
Global Visibility
Global visibility, including media promotion and branding on the UN Tourism media channels
Tailored Support
Tailored support for your project
Networking
Opportunities to pilot or scale solutions with partner destinations or within UN Tourism projects
Network Membership
Become a member of the UN Tourism Innovation Network
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship opportunities for the UN Tourism Online Academy