Tourism is one of the best positioned sectors to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development and peace. Accounting for 10% of the world GDP, tourism has a significant impact on exports, job creation, investment, development of infrastructure, and the promotion of social inclusion.
Moreover, given its cross-sectorial nature, tourism’s wide reach also stimulates entrepreneurship and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which along with start-ups, are an important driver of innovation and job creation. Furthermore, tourism engages all sectors to collaborate and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
In the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, The World Tourism Organization is looking for the most disruptive Startups that are transforming the way people travel and experience tourism.
Compete for the opportunity to network and pitch your disruptive solution to a jury of global tourism leaders, including top global investors and corporations, at high-level tourism events.
WORTH
PITCH & CONNECT
The 20 runners-upwill have the opportunity to pitch at the official celebrations of World Tourism Day on September 27th 2018 in Budapest, Hungary.
The selected startups will receive a fully-sponsored trip to present their initiative to the jury, governments, industry leaders and international investors attending WTD.
In addition, participants will benefit from a master class on how to talk to investors, ways for scaling up companies, etc.
PITCH & CONNECT II
The 10 finalists will have sponsored participation at FITUR the International Tourism Trade Fair, from 24 – 27 January 2019 in Madrid, Spain.
Be of one of 10 startups selected to pitch in front of potential investors, mentors and experts during FITUR 2019, the first of the world’s largest gatherings of tourism leaders. Receive a fully-sponsored trip and access to the four days of networking, mentoring and events. Connect to a network of over 200,000 participants from hundreds of countries.
PILOT
The winning startup will receive the opportunity to design a pilot project with Globalia, Spain’s largest travel corporation. Work closely with Globalia’s brands including Air Europa (airline), Halcón Viajes (travel agencies), Travelplan (tour operator), Be Live (hotel chain), and Groundforce (airport handling) and more.
SCALE
Scale your startup by participating in the first-ever Global Tourism Innovation Hub. Gain access to mentors, participate in acceleration programmes, and discover unique funding opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY
- It can be Both for-profit and non-profit projects
- Projects must be in the Early Stage or Series A Stage
- Projects should be innovative in nature and provide value-added and sustainable solutions for the tourism sector
- Project should have potential for scalability and a vision to grow internationally
- There must be a business plan
DEADLINE: 3rd September, 2018
To apply and for more information, visit here
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