UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Global Startup Competition

Artificial Intelligence and Deep Technologies for the Good of People, Planet and Prosperity

In the era of rapid technological advancement, the tourism industry stands on the precipice of transformation, fueled by the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As international travel surges, back to nearly 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the close of 2023, AI's role in shaping the future of tourism has never been more prominent.

Recent data underscores AI's pivotal role in revolutionizing the tourism landscape. AI-powered solutions are enhancing personalized travel experiences, optimizing operational efficiency, and unlocking new avenues for sustainable tourism practices. Harnessing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advances plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable tourism development, significantly contributing to this endeavor through innovative approaches.

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Important Dates

  • June 12
    Application Launch
  • July
    Webinar for Participants
  • July 30
    Application Close
  • Sep. '24
    Winners Announced
  • Nov. '24
    Final Pitch

What we're looking for:

These innovations are revolutionizing every aspect of the traveler’s journey and reshaping the sector:

  • Immersive Experiences: AI facilitates immersive experiences enhancing the travel experience through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).    
  • Streamlined Processes: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants streamline the booking process, provide real-time assistance, and address customer inquiries promptly and efficiently.    
  • Operational Efficiency: AI optimizes operations, enhances marketing strategies, and provides insights into consumer behavior and trends. Data analytics and predictive modeling enable businesses to make informed decisions, anticipate market demands, and innovate to stay competitive.    
  • Sustainability: AI promotes sustainability within the tourism sector by analyzing environmental data and monitoring tourist activities, helping mitigate the negative impacts on fragile ecosystems and natural resources.
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The pace of AI adoption

The pace of AI adoption within businesses is accelerating, surpassing the rate of previous digital transformations by an average of 16 months. This rapid integration underscores the urgency for the tourism sector to embrace AI-driven transformations to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

In this context, UN Tourism aims to harness the transformative capabilities of AI and Deep Technologies to foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship within the tourism sector. To this end, we are proud to announce the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Impacting Tourism Innovation Challenge. This initiative invites startups and innovators to leverage AI technologies to revolutionize travel, explore destinations, and interact with local communities. By unlocking the sector's full potential, we can achieve economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development aligned with People, Planet, and Prosperity.

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Targeted Startups

Startups from all backgrounds and sectors worldwide are invited to participate if they meet the following criteria:

  • Be innovative in nature providing value-added solutions
  • Be sustainability-driven
  • Be scalable, with potential for international growth and applicability in corporations and destinations (countries, regions)
  • Be an Early Stage or Series A startup
  • Have a tested pilot and business plan
  • Have been accelerated before
  • Have a full-time team

We welcome all forms of innovation: new methods, processes, governance models, social impact initiatives, and technologies.

Categories:

  • People & Skills | Investing in People

    Startups that reshape tourism into a force for positive social change by addressing education, health, and gender equality.

    Startups involved in the following areas are invited to participate in this competition under this thematic area.
    • Environmental: Startups focus on enhancing community well-being through health-centric tourism experiences and wellness initiatives.
    • Sociocultural: Startups promote gender equality by addressing disparities in employment and celebrating diversity in travel experiences.
    • Economic: Startups develop quality education initiatives and skill development projects within the tourism sector.

  • Green Tourism & Travel Solutions | Investing in Planet

    Startups demonstrate how tourism combats climate change, embraces sustainable energy, and preserves ecosystems.

    Startups involved in the following areas are invited to participate in this competition under this thematic area.
    • Environmental: Startups lead against climate change through carbon offset programs and sustainable accommodations.
    • Sociocultural: Startups explore affordable and clean energy solutions in tourism, promoting renewable sources and energy-efficient practices.
    • Economic: Startups focus on preserving natural ecosystems through sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts, including marine ecosystem conservation.

  • Market Innovators | Investing in Prosperity

    Startups drive responsible consumption, sustainable urban development, and innovation in tourism infrastructure.

    Startups involved in the following areas are invited to participate in this competition under this thematic area.
    • Environmental: Startups promote responsible consumption and production in hospitality, advocating for sustainable tourism practices.
    • Sociocultural: Startups envision sustainable urban development by engaging communities and preserving culture.
    • Economic: Startups innovate in tourism services and infrastructure, contributing to industry growth and resilience.

Benefits for startups

  • Accommodation and travel to pitch at the UN Tourism Tech Adventures
  • Two-month acceleration program at SPARK - the Innovation Sphere of Les Roches, held across both campuses in Marbella and Crans-Montana
  • Access to 90+ Venture Capitalists
  • Access to Top Corporations and 150+ Countries
  • Curated mentorship program
  • Potential pilot project with private sector collaborators and institutions
  • Plug and Play: registered profile on Playbook, invitation to participate in their Silicon Valley Summit, access to talent and synergies with their portfolio
  • Participation in the Program for Ambassadors of the Spanish Language Award po wered by Fundación Carolina with personalized activities in Spain
  • Scholarships from the UN Tourism Academy