United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
UNWTO ‘Awake Tourism Challenge’ winners announced
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced the winners of the ‘Awake Tourism Challenge’.
It recognised start-up businesses reshaping the sector in every global region.
They will now be incubated at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education.
In the second edition of the start-up competition focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals, entrants were judged on how they are contributing.
There was a focus on six core themes: Local community involvement; green and blue economies; ecological and sustainable capital creation; tourism tech for good; tourism education; and women empowerment.
The competition attracted more than 2,000 entrants from 120 countries worldwide.
The most submissions were from Europe, the Americas and Africa, followed by Asia and the Pacific and Middle East.
From these, an expert panel selected 30 finalists and then 15 winners.
The winning start-ups are Coastruction (Netherlands), Noytrall (Portugal), SmArt Tourism and Hospitality Consulting (Panama), Quantum Temple (USA), Socialbnb (Germany), Instituto de Accesibilidad (Spain), Kamatjona (Namibia), Baahdy & Birdy (Norway), WeavAir (Singapore), r3charge (Germany), Impact Innovations Institute (Armenia), NomadHer (South Korea), Murmuration (France), Evelity by Okeenea Digital (France) and Accessible Qatar (Qatar).
The projects were recognised for innovative service with high customer value, and high levels of youth and local community engagement.
They were also assessed on their use of technology to monitor the environmental impact of tourism activity.
“Tourism start-ups have the power and agility to transform the sector in line with the Sustainable Development Goals,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
“The winners all have the potential to help build a more inclusive and resilient sector.”
The winning start-ups will be offered an incubation period of three months at SPARK Crans-Montana, the Innovation Hub of Les Roches
They participate in mentorships, networking activities and have access to a VR Lab, Digital Studio, and a dedicated co-working space.
In addition, they will also receive scholarships for the UNWTO Tourism Online Academy.
They will be included in the UNWTO catalogue of top innovators, be featured in a global communications campaign, and be invited for mentorships.
Ray Monty
Sophia of Destinations International about the work the organisation is doing on Social inclusion
Don Welsh President/CEO of Destinations International at his organisations annual conference,Tampa
Jane Cunnigham explains how European uencing policy within Destinations International policy
Kristin from Miles Partnerships at #DIAC24 in Tampa about the new Wayfinfer tools for Destinations
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Florida’s Tourism Boom: Dana Young Analyzes Surge in UK Visitors
Ship crew member arrested after stabbing attack
Two dead, others missing after River Danube boat collision
Disney gets green light for a fifth Florida theme park
American, Australian tourists shot dead in Mexico
How virtual cards are shaping the future of hotel payments