Social concepts for the tourism industry wanted: International competition enters its third round

The Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism is the first and only competition worldwide focussing on social innovation and social entrepreneurship in tourism. It aims to strengthen and better network social entrepreneurs worldwide. Participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts in the industry, take part in a mentoring programme and gain international attention. "The competition supports start-ups in developing products and services that pursue inclusive, sustainable or socially just goals," says Prof Dr Claudia Brözel, founder of the competition and lecturer at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE). Especially in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, which poses huge challenges for the tourism industry, the competition is a contribution to rebuilding the industry and developing sustainable, local solution strategies for the tourism of the future.

The format has proven its worth: Since 2019, the competition has been organised by HNEE, ITB Berlin, the Berlin Travel Festival and Travel Massive and has received entries from over 50 countries to date. The winners in 2019 included the virtual sightseeing platform WeView and Frutas y Verduras, a culinary programme in Mexico that promotes the indigenous population and their culture. In 2020, Get Up and Go Colombia came out on top with a project that supports the local Colombian population in the areas most affected by the armed conflict with a tourism project. The Brazilian initiative Change Through Traveling, which enables travellers to support local communities and projects before they travel by becoming a member, also received an award.

In addition to the TUI Care Foundation, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Social Innovation Academy (SINA), based in Uganda, have also been official partners since this year. For the first time, SINA will provide a ten-week mentoring and coaching programme for up to ten finalists, which is aimed at strengthening the founders' knowledge and skills in the areas of pitching, human-centred design, business modelling and impact measurement. "We are delighted that our three new partners are supporting the applicants with advice, support and a network." Thomas Ellerbeck, CEO of the TUI Care Foundation, adds: "Supporting innovative young entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing issues such as poverty, gender equality and the climate crisis is at the centre of this competition - and also at the centre of the TUI Care Foundation's mission. With the Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism, we want to support local entrepreneurial solutions to global challenges. After the pandemic, the travel industry will return to the successful development of previous decades. We now have the opportunity - and it is our duty and responsibility - to ensure that the sector returns more sustainably and with an even more positive impact on the people in the destinations."

Background and idea of the competition

The structure of the competition is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and is intended to contribute to achieving the goals of high-quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure. Goal 8.9, which aims to develop and implement strategies by 2030 that promote sustainable tourism, create jobs and promote local culture and products, is a particular focus.

The application deadline is 30 April 2021 and awards will be presented in the form of non-cash and cash prizes in the categories "Launch Track" (for new ideas and projects that have not yet been implemented) and "Growth Track" (for existing projects that are to be further developed). An international jury consisting of representatives from ITB Berlin, Travel Massive and HNEE will review this year's applications. Their focus this year will be on ideas and concepts for tourism solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic at a local level.

The final selection of the winners will take place at the beginning of September this year, with a digital award ceremony planned.

Information on the partner organisations

About ITB Berlin NOW:
Since 1966, ITB's mission has been to bring together the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry. ITB is an inspiration for business and the place to be for everyone who is passionate about the tourism industry. The commitment to social, ecological and economic sustainability has been an integral part of ITB Berlin for many years. The current demands on flagship events have encouraged ITB Berlin to create a digital platform that connects and empowers the global travel industry - ITB Berlin NOW (9-12 March 2021), the digital gathering of the global travel industry.

About the Social Innovation Academy (SINA):
Founded in 2014, the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) in Uganda empowers scholarship holders from difficult social backgrounds to act in a self-organised and self-responsible ("freesponsible") manner and to acquire the skills they need to set up their own social enterprise.

About Travel Massive:
Travel Massive is the springboard for travel brands and destinations. Our global community of over 60,000 creative minds and industry influencers discover and share the best travel highlights every day.

About the TUI Care Foundation:
Travel Massive is the springboard for travel brands and destinations. Our global community of over 60,000 creative minds and industry influencers discover and share the best travel highlights every day. The TUI Care Foundation initiates and supports projects that open up new future prospects for young people around the world, protect nature and the environment and promote the sustainable development of holiday destinations. The foundation focuses on the potential of the tourism sector as a driver of social development, education and prosperity

The foundation operates worldwide, but always focuses on the specific situation on the ground. It builds on strong partnerships with regional and international organisations to bring about sustainable change. The TUI Care Foundation is based in the heart of Europe, in the Netherlands.

About UNWTO:
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organisation in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and provides leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policy worldwide.

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