Applications for the annual competition for social entrepreneurship in tourism are open from April 1, 2024
Information event at the ITB on March 06, 2024, Hall 5.3 - Hybrid Stage
Berlin, February 27th, 2024 – Social entrepreneurs in tourism will at soon be able to apply for the fifth edition of the "Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism". The competition is the only one in the world that focuses on social innovation and social entrepreneurship in tourism. It aims to strengthen social entrepreneurs worldwide through expert knowledge, a mentoring program and international attention. The "Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism" will support start-ups in developing products and services that pursue inclusive, sustainable or socially just goals.
Professor Dr. Claudia Brözel from the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development initiated the competition in 2019 and organized it together with partners ITB Berlin, Berlin Travel Festival and Travel Massive. Experts from the travel technology provider Amadeus and the digital travel company Booking.com are joining the international jury for the first time this year, which is made up of the established partners who have been active members of the competition since its inception.
The structure of the competition is based on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and aims to contribute to achieving the goals of quality education, gender equality, decent work, and economic growth as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure.
The application phase covers the period from April 1 to June 30, 2024. Applications can be submitted in the categories "Launch Track" (for new ideas and projects that have not yet been implemented) or "Growth Track" (for existing projects that are to be further expanded).
In the last competition in 2022, around 200 applications – 51% from women – were received from over 50 countries worldwide. The expert jury evaluates the applications using the four-eyes principle. The 10-week mentoring and coaching program for ten finalists is designed to strengthen the founders' knowledge and skills in the areas of pitching, human-centered design, business modelling and impact measurement in one-on-one meetings and group sessions.
The winners will be selected by the international jury at a digital awards ceremony on November 18, 2024. Both cash and non-cash prizes are available for the winners in both categories – two prizes will be awarded in each.
"We are delighted to be able to host the competition again this year with the great support of the tourism industry. With the Social Entrepreneurship Competition, we have established an important platform that helps to promote social innovation in the tourism sector, support social entrepreneurs, build networks, and drive forward the increasingly important sustainable transformation in the industry”, says founder Professor Dr. Claudia Brözel.
Why our new partners are supporting the Social Entrepreneurship Competition:
“At Amadeus, we are glad to become a partner of the 2024 Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism. Through this partnership, we aim to empower innovative entrepreneurs who foster an inclusive and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry. It’s also a great opportunity for our company to meet partners and new social entrepreneurs and, together offer travelers more sustainable tourism choices.” says Audrey Mourguiart, Head of Social Innovation at Amadeus.
The tourism industry offers the best conditions for new business models that address social sustainability in the core business. We are thrilled to support the Social Entrepreneurship initiative, starting this year. With our Lufthansa City Center network of entrepreneurs worldwide, we are convinced that we can create optimal synergies through our new collaboration. Says Markus Orth, Managing Director Lufthansa City Center Reisebüropartner GmbH
All new partners will be presented at ITB, March 6, 2024, between 1 and 1:45 p.m. in Hall 5.3 on the Hybrid Stage. Prof. Claudia Brözel will discuss the topic "Social enterprises drives positive impact in tourism" with company representatives:
• Dr. Neal Bermas, Founder & Chairman STREETS International,
• Carole Carlson, Professor of the Practice at Brandeis University, USA,
• Audrey Mourguiart, Head of Social Innovation at Amadeus,
• Michel Visser, Head of Societal Impact at Booking.com and
• Paola Vulterini, Leader of Valueable network | Assoziazione Italiana Persone Down.
The event will be followed by a get-together to which all interested parties are cordially invited.
More information socialtourismcompetition.com
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