UN Tourism, Sommet Education Foundation and Les Roches launch global call for sustainable solutions

The Sommet Education Foundation and hospitality school Les Roches have joined forces with UN Tourism to launch the Social Innovation Challenge, a global initiative designed to accelerate startups and scaleups offering sustainable, inclusive and green solutions for the tourism sector.

With tourism contributing 10.4 percent of global GDP in 2023 and employing 319 million people worldwide, the challenge arrives at a critical time for an industry balancing recovery with urgent structural shifts. Organisers say the focus will be on bold solutions that tackle climate change, accessibility gaps and inequality while advancing regenerative growth.

Three categories for change

The challenge is open to entrepreneurs and enterprises with at least a minimum viable product, across three core categories:

• Community-Based Tourism – empowering communities through entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and integration into tourism value chains.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility – improving travel experiences for people with disabilities, seniors and others with specific needs through universal design and inclusive services.
• Green Projects – advancing technologies and practices that reduce environmental impact, enable circular economy models and manage mass tourism with smart solutions.

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, said: “Innovation is not just about technology – it’s about empowering people, preserving our planet, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for global tourism. Globally, social enterprises contribute over 5% of GDP in many countries and employ millions, with a significant focus on tackling inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development. This challenge is a call to action for solutions that place social innovation and equality at the heart of tourism.”

Education as the engine of transformation

As education partner, the Sommet Education Foundation will fund scholarships for individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Winners will access advanced hospitality programs at Les Roches, equipping them with the skills to transform ideas into viable businesses with social impact.

Anouck Weiss, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Foundation, explained: “At Sommet Education Foundation, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers through access to world-class hospitality education. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge, we aim to not only foster inclusive and sustainable tourism – but also to provide the skills and knowledge needed to shape bold ideas into innovative products and services. These scholarships will enable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter prestigious institutions like Les Roches, equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful social impact. Education is the engine of transformation, and through this initiative, we are nurturing talent that will lead tourism into a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative future.”

Les Roches: hosting and mentoring

Les Roches will host selected entrepreneurs at its Marbella campus, offering up to six full scholarships for 9–12 month higher education programs in international hotel management. The winners will benefit from academic training, mentorship and exposure to industry leaders.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, highlighted the transformative role of the sector: “Tourism has the power to transform societies, elevate communities, and inspire global progress when anchored in inclusivity and sustainability. At Les Roches, we believe education is the spark that turns ideas into movements and equips hospitality leaders to shape the future. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge alongside the Sommet Education Foundation and UN Tourism, we are helping accelerate solutions that can deliver real impact for communities and the planet.”

Strategic partners and global reach

The initiative is backed by Plug and Play, which will provide technology support and offer finalists access to its Silicon Valley Summit, and TORNUS Agency, which will contribute branding and communications expertise. Finalists will also be linked to the UN Tourism Innovation Network for tailored mentorship and given access to a global network of more than 90 investors and tourism corporations operating in over 160 countries.

Call for applications

Applications are open until December 8, 2025. Finalists will pitch their solutions at the UN Tourism Demo Day and gain further benefits, including scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy.

With its focus on inclusive entrepreneurship and measurable impact, the Social Innovation Challenge is positioning itself as a catalyst for tourism models that combine profitability with social and environmental responsibility. For a sector that continues to shape livelihoods and cultures worldwide, the initiative underscores the role of education, innovation and collaboration in charting a more sustainable course.