The Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism Competition is the first worldwide competition focusing on social innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism.
Awards are presented in two categories:
• LAUNCH Track: For entrepreneurs with great innovative idea or initiative they want to grow.
• GROWTH Track: For entrepreneurs with existing projects and an MVP they want to develop further.
🌱 About The Competition
By giving social entrepreneurs access to expert knowledge, a mentoring program and international visibility, the competition aims provide strong support for social tourism entrepreneurs and their efforts to help to transform the sector and shape a sustainable future for tourism in their destination.
The Competition was founded in 2019 by Professor Dr. Claudia Brözel from the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, with founding partners ITB Berlin, Berlin Travel Festival and Travel Massive.
🌍 Strong Network of Partners and Supporters
In 2025, the Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism Competition is supported by Amadeus, Lufthansa City Center, Travel Massive, ITB Berlin, booking.com, the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, SINA, WIIF, and more.
Comments
Meet the finalists of the 2025 Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism Competition!
This is a fantastic lineup for this year's competition — best of luck to all participants and I'm looking forward to seeing the pitches!
We are very happy to share a quick update on the current state of the 2025 Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism Competition – we received a record number of applications in 2025 🎉
Applications closed on 14 July 2025 and there was a strict moderation process to see eligibility.
🚀 The official numbers for this year's SET Competition:
• 196 Submitted applications
• 66 project countries
• 174 approved applications (22 rejected)
• This is 40% increase from last year's applications (140 submitted)
👉 What's next:
• Jury Evaluation Process from 28 July until 31 August
• 10 September – announcing the 10 finalists
• 15 September. – start of the Mentorship
We are excited to share this achievement with you – and thank you for all your support.
Hi everyone,
We are happy to share that the 2025 Competition is now LIVE for its 6th edition! 🎉
We are seeking entrepreneurs to pitch their social innovation ideas in travel to receive funding, mentorship, access to investors, and become part of a global network of social innovators.
You can apply in two tracks:
• LAUNCH Track: for new ideas
• GROWTH Track: for existing businesses
👉 Applications are open from 15 May till 14 July 2025: socialtourismcompetition.com
In 2025, the Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism: Competition is supported by Amadeus, ITB Berlin, Lufthansa City Center, Travel Massive, the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Social Innovation Academy, WIIF, Neusta, and more to be announced.
As a Program Manager I am available for any feedback and questions, you can reach out to me at maria@socialpreneurs.berlin.