The Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition Middle East 2024 application is out. The theme for this year’s competition is strongly linked to the UN Tourism Investment Framework: Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity. This theme was presented during World Tourism Day in 2023 and highlights the need for the tourism industry to diversify its investments towards sustainable development goals.
The new framework emphasizes investment in people through education, the planet through eco-friendly practices, and prosperity through innovation, with a focus on sustainability and reaching the Agenda 2030 goals.
Tourism stakeholders have reached a consensus on the importance of efforts to create a sustainable tourism sector. In order to achieve this, the sector must prioritize economic, social, and environmental factors. With its influence on all economic industries, the potential to provide high-quality jobs, and the ability to support rural communities, it is essential for the tourism sector to lead the way in this sustainable transformation.
The Women in Tech Theme for the 2nd Edition is Creating a Sustainable Tourism Sector, reflecting the importance of these key elements and the need for their integration within the tourism industry.
Categories of UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition
The competition will consist of three categories, each focused on technology related to Sustainable Tourism and aligned with the UN Tourism Investment Framework: Investing in People, Planet, and Prosperity.
- Category 1: People & Skills, emphasizing investment in human resources and skill development.
- Category 2: Green Tourism & Travel Solutions, emphasizing investment in eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
- Category 3: Market Innovators, emphasizing investment in innovative solutions that promote financial prosperity within the tourism industry.
Eligibility Criteria
- Women in the Middle East residing in countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen should be leading, owning, or managing the startups.
- The startups should be in the Idea Stage, Early Stage, or Series A, with a minimum viable product or idea that is ready for development and funding.
- The startups should have a dedicated full-time team, a pilot that has been tested successfully, and a well-thought-out business plan.
- The startups should have the potential for scalability and international growth.
Benefits
- Present your pitch at the UN Tourism Tech Adventure in AlUla scheduled for November (To be confirmed).
- Receive mentorships from UN Tourism and top partners (To be confirmed).
- Get invited to participate in any relevant new activities related to tourism, sustainability, and business.
- Attend the annual Gala with Female Leaders held at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao in 2025.
- Take part in online training events and networking meetings.
- Receive tailored support for your startup.
- Gain membership in the UN Tourism Innovation Network.
- Explore scholarship opportunities for the Tourism Online Academy.
- Enjoy media, PR, and communications benefits.
- Get opportunities to speak as panelists and keynote speakers at our events.
How to Apply
To be a part of this opportunity, click here.
For More Information, visit the Official Webpage of the UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition Middle East 2nd Edition .
Application Deadline
June 28, 2024.
CHECK THESE OUT:
