Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — November 2025 — The UN Tourism Global Artificial Intelligence Start-up Challenge 2025 is set to reach its thrilling conclusion at the UN Tourism Tech Adventure – Grand Final on 8 November 2025, held during the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This global innovation initiative — led by UN Tourism — has brought together the world’s most promising AI-driven start-ups and innovators to shape a smarter, greener, and more inclusive future for the global travel and tourism industry.
📍 Venue: UN Tourism General Assembly, Riyadh 🇸🇦
🗓️ Date: 8 November 2025
⏰ Time: 13:00 – 14:30 (GMT +3)
🔗 Learn more / Add to calendar: https://www.untourism.int/challenges/artificial-intelligence-challenge
🚀 Innovation Meets Impact
The UN Tourism Global Artificial Intelligence Start-up Challenge 2025 attracted hundreds of submissions from over 150 countries, showcasing how artificial intelligence can transform tourism — from sustainability and inclusivity to efficiency and visitor experience.
The Grand Final in Riyadh will feature live pitches and demos from the most outstanding start-ups, as they present cutting-edge solutions that:
- 🌍 Empower destinations with AI-powered data, analytics, and smart infrastructure.
- 💡 Enhance traveller experiences through personalization and predictive design.
- ♻️ Advance sustainability by reducing energy waste and optimizing resources.
- 📈 Promote inclusion and accessibility through AI-based education and workforce tools.
“Artificial Intelligence is unlocking the next era of global tourism,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism.
“This challenge demonstrates how technology can drive not just innovation, but also positive change for people, the planet, and prosperity.”
🏆 The Grand Final: A Global Stage for AI Excellence
The UN Tourism Tech Adventure – Grand Final will showcase finalists across four key categories:
- Smart Destinations & Deep Tech
- Sustainability & Climate Solutions
- Education, Skills & Accessibility
- Marketing & Experience Design
Finalists will pitch to an international panel of experts — including ministers, investors, and technology leaders — competing for recognition as global trailblazers in AI for tourism innovation.
Winners will receive:
- The UN Tourism Innovation Seal of Excellence.
- An acceleration program at SPARK Innovation Sphere (Les Roches).
- Access to venture capital networks and pilot partnerships with leading tourism destinations.
- Global visibility across UN Tourism’s 160+ member countries.
“AI has the power to make tourism more efficient, more inclusive, and more human,” said Natalia Bayona, Executive Director for Innovation, Education & Investments at UN Tourism.
“This challenge is more than a competition — it’s a movement towards a smarter and more sustainable global tourism ecosystem.”
🌱 The Bigger Picture: Technology for a Sustainable Tourism Future
Tourism contributes nearly 10% of global GDP and employs 1 in 10 people worldwide, making it a vital pillar of sustainable development.
The integration of AI technologies promises to:
- Streamline operations and logistics.
- Optimize energy use and waste management.
- Personalize traveler engagement.
- Empower small businesses and local communities with accessible digital tools.
By aligning innovation with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) — the challenge reinforces tourism’s role as a driver of global progress.
🌏 About the UN Tourism Innovation Network
The UN Tourism Innovation Network connects start-ups, investors, governments, and corporations to accelerate technology adoption across the travel and hospitality sectors.
Since 2018, UN Tourism has launched over 30 innovation challenges, engaged 1,500+ start-ups, and mobilized more than USD 2 billion in investment for sustainable tourism innovation.
🧭 About UN Tourism
UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, committed to making tourism a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.
Through innovation, education, and collaboration, UN Tourism supports countries and entrepreneurs in building a more responsible and resilient global tourism sector.
🌐 Visit: www.untourism.int
