The UNWTO has launched a competition to identify innovators who can drive sustainable development in the sector.
The SDGs Global Startup Competition is backed by companies including Amazon Web Services Activate, BBVA and Google.
UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashviki said: “Tourism’s cross-cutting nature is unique. As a sector, it touches on almost every part of our economies and our societies. This competition will rally all sectors around efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and place innovation and sustainability at the heart of global economic recovery.”
The 17 most disruptive startups will be given support to scale-up and “make a real difference to the future of destinations”. UNWTO will present the best ideas to its Member States, Affiliate Members and investors. Additional benefits on offer include the chance to pitch at a special UNWTO Demo Day and access to technological support and to the UNWTO Innovation network, as well as a curated mentorship programme with both one-on-one and group training sessions on key topics such as Intellectual Property, sustainability in business and leadership.