The Sommet Education Foundation and Les Roches unveil the seven finalists of the UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge, a competition designed to back innovative projects that contribute to making tourism more sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for local communities.
Launched in September 2025, the challenge drew 866 applications from 109 countries.
Nearly half of the submitted projects originated from Africa, illustrating the continent’s entrepreneurial dynamism in the tourism sector.
The seven selected projects are spread across three categories: community tourism, environment, accessibility and inclusion.
Launched in September 2025, the challenge drew 866 applications from 109 countries.
Nearly half of the submitted projects originated from Africa, illustrating the continent’s entrepreneurial dynamism in the tourism sector.
The seven selected projects are spread across three categories: community tourism, environment, accessibility and inclusion.
Solutions to Strengthen Local Tourism
In the category dedicated to community tourism, three initiatives were singled out.
In China, Lore leverages artificial intelligence to help safeguard traditional crafts and connect travelers with local communities through immersive cultural experiences.
In India, Local Narratives brings together travelers, students and rural communities through experiences that foster learning and local entrepreneurship.
In Tanzania, Ecodigital combines digital tools with community knowledge to support ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and the development of sustainable tourism.
In China, Lore leverages artificial intelligence to help safeguard traditional crafts and connect travelers with local communities through immersive cultural experiences.
In India, Local Narratives brings together travelers, students and rural communities through experiences that foster learning and local entrepreneurship.
In Tanzania, Ecodigital combines digital tools with community knowledge to support ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and the development of sustainable tourism.
Circular Economy and Regenerative Tourism in the Spotlight
Two projects were selected in the environmental category.
In Ghana, Okumkom Biodigital Investment converts organic waste produced by hotels and restaurants into proteins and organic fertilizers. The aim is to create a closed loop linking the hospitality and agricultural sectors.
In Brazil, Bio Fábrica de Corais relies on biotechnologies and regenerative tourism to contribute to the restoration of coral reefs, while raising awareness among visitors and communities about protecting marine ecosystems.
The third category focuses on accessibility and inclusion, featuring two projects that notably use artificial intelligence.
In Kenya, Signvrse develops 3D avatars capable of providing real-time sign-language interpretation to facilitate exchanges with Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers.
In Portugal, Your Accessible Flight employs AI to assist travelers with disabilities during their air travel. The solution also provides airlines and airports with digital tools to enhance their accessibility services.
In Ghana, Okumkom Biodigital Investment converts organic waste produced by hotels and restaurants into proteins and organic fertilizers. The aim is to create a closed loop linking the hospitality and agricultural sectors.
In Brazil, Bio Fábrica de Corais relies on biotechnologies and regenerative tourism to contribute to the restoration of coral reefs, while raising awareness among visitors and communities about protecting marine ecosystems.
The third category focuses on accessibility and inclusion, featuring two projects that notably use artificial intelligence.
In Kenya, Signvrse develops 3D avatars capable of providing real-time sign-language interpretation to facilitate exchanges with Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers.
In Portugal, Your Accessible Flight employs AI to assist travelers with disabilities during their air travel. The solution also provides airlines and airports with digital tools to enhance their accessibility services.
Support to Accelerate the Projects
Partner of the competition, Les Roches Marbella will mentor the seven laureates through on-campus training and access to its international network dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation.
The goal is to equip project leaders with enhanced skills, broaden their networks, and speed up the deployment of solutions that address the social and environmental challenges facing tourism.
The goal is to equip project leaders with enhanced skills, broaden their networks, and speed up the deployment of solutions that address the social and environmental challenges facing tourism.
Published by Amelia Brille Editor, TourMaG.com See all articles by Amelia Brille
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