UN Tourism Launches Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge

UN Tourism is seeking start-ups and scale-ups that are transforming the tourism sector with innovative solutions.

Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge

The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge aims to support projects that utilize digital technologies to enhance tourism, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth. Participants are encouraged to focus on digital transformation, sustainability, inclusivity, and digital governance in key areas such as branding and marketing, intelligent destinations, deep technologies, scalable education solutions, and operational efficiency. This initiative seeks to foster innovation that increases the attractiveness of destinations, optimizes resource management, and creates intelligent and impactful tourism experiences across these categories.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Innovation is a key driver of the future of tourism. This Challenge is a unique opportunity for creative minds to contribute to the sustainable and inclusive growth of the tourism sector. We are excited to see the innovative solutions emerging from this global initiative.”

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona adds: “AI is projected to add $15.7 to $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with generative AI alone adding $2.6 to $4.4 trillion annually. This is transformative power—AI is the future of tourism. The future of tourism is here, and it is intelligent, efficient, and sustainable”.

The challenge counts on the support of major partners, including SPARK, Les Roches’s Innovation Hub from the Sommet Education group, and Unicoin, the official cryptocurrency of Unicorn Hunters and Amadeus’s Venture Capital for technology companies.

Eligibility and Application Process

The Challenge is open to individuals, teams, and companies from across the globe. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining their innovative solution, its potential impact on the tourism sector, and an implementation plan. Proposals will be evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, and scalability. Candidates can apply until 31 March 2025. Finalists will be able to present their pitches at the UN Tourism Demo Day, the UN Tourism Tech Adventures, by the end of 2025.

Winners will receive support to develop and implement their projects, guidance from industry experts and leaders in digital innovation, and access to an extensive network of tourism professionals and potential investors via a two-month incubation at the SPARK innovation sphere. In addition, they will have opportunities to showcase their projects at international tourism events and conferences, enhancing their global visibility.

UN Tourism and Innovation

Since 2018, UN Tourism has launched 32 startup innovation Challenges and Competitions, covering over 150 countries worldwide. With over 20,000 participants and almost 400 top startups mapped with USD 2+ billion in funding, UN Tourism continues supporting digitalization and innovation to advance the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tourism is a tool for positive transformation and inclusive economic development.