To promote and enhance the use of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies in the global tourism industry, UN Tourism has announced a global competition, the Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge.

In a press statement, UN Tourism says that it will support projects that are leveraging digital technologies to enhance tourism, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth. It adds that participants are encouraged to address digital transformation, sustainability, inclusivity, and digital governance across key areas, including branding and marketing, smart destinations and deep technologies, scalable education solutions, and efficiency in operations.

UN Tourism says that through these categories, the initiative seeks to foster innovation that elevates destination appeal, optimises resource management, and creates intelligent, impactful tourism experiences.

Zurab Pololikashvili

“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 that will emerge from this global initiative,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism.

“AI is projected to add USD 15.7-19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with generative AI alone adding USD 2.6-4.4 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,’’ says Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism.

Eligibility and application process

According to UN Tourism, the competition 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 a plan for implementation. Proposals will be evaluated based on creativity, feasibility and scalability.

Natalia Bayona

It adds that candidates can apply until March 31, 2025 and the finalists will have the opportunity to present their pitches at the ‘UN Tourism Demo Day: the UN Tourism Tech Adventures’, by the end of 2025.

The statement adds that the winners will gain support to develop and implement their projects, receiving guidance from industry experts and leaders in digital innovation 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, and gain access to an extensive network of tourism professionals and potential investors.

Participants interested in the challenge can find more information, explore additional benefits, and submit their applications through the website of the contest.

UN Tourism says that since 2018, it has launched 32 startup innovation Challenges and Competitions, covering over 150 countries around the world. With over 20,000 participants and almost 400 top startups mapped with over USD 2 billion in funding, UN Tourism continues its efforts to support digitalisation 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, it adds.