International Tourism Authority Joins Forces with France for a Nationwide Innovation Competition
France Launches UN Tourism National Open Innovation Challenge to Boost Tourism Innovation
France is stepping up its efforts to nurture and support startups in the travel tech and tourism sectors with the launch of the France’s UN Tourism National Open Innovation Challenge. This competition is a part of a broader global effort to promote social innovation in tourism.
The competition aims to find and recognize the next wave of tourism innovators in France. It is open to pairs of French startups and large companies in the tourism sector. Startups participating in the competition must have a minimum viable product (MVP), a prototype, or a solution ready for scaling.
The co-developed solution in the competition must address a use case in travel tech or tourism innovation. Companies participating in the competition must be able to provide resources, mentorship, and support for implementation and expansion.
France is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with nearly 60,000 startups. Over 30 unicorns exist in France's startup ecosystem. The competition is a continuation of the 'Welcome to France' and 'French Tech' initiatives, which nurture and guide successful startups, representing over 1.1 million direct and indirect jobs.
Marina Ferrari, Delegated Minister for Tourism Economy of France, is delighted about the recognition and support of UN Tourism for startups. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili believes France is at the forefront of innovation in the tourism sector. The competition is commended by the UN Tourism Executive Director, Natalia Bayona.
In addition to the competition, France fosters innovation through programs such as the Peridot Program, which supports high-level scientific and technological projects, including those that can impact tourism tech. Conferences and events like the Green Destinations Global Conference held in Montpellier in 2025 provide further networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration opportunities for startups focused on sustainable tourism innovation in France.
Applications for the competition will close at the end of March 2025. The competition was the most visited country in the world in 2023, with 100 million international tourist arrivals. This competition is a testament to France's commitment to nurturing and supporting startups in the travel tech and tourism sectors, giving resources to nurture future champions of travel tech.
