Record number of applications for the Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism 2021
The Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism, which is supported by the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) and others, received 132 applications from 52 countries this year. Compared to 2020, when 83 applications were received, this is an increase of almost 60 per cent.
Background and idea of the competition
The Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism is the first and only competition in the world to focus on social innovation and social entrepreneurship in tourism. It aims to empower social entrepreneurs, accelerate their growth and give them access to the market. Participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas with industry experts, take part in a mentoring programme and gain international exposure.
Facts and figures about the 2021 competition
In view of the current global challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition is focussing in particular on helping the industry to recover and shape a sustainable future for tourism in the regions. "We were delighted by the great interest worldwide and it shows that social entrepreneurship is a great opportunity for many people involved in tourism worldwide, especially now during the coronavirus crisis. This suggests a positive outlook for the future," says Prof Dr Claudia Brözel, initiator of the competition and lecturer at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE).
This year's competition is supported by the TUI Care Foundation, HNEE, ITB Berlin, Travel Massive, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Social Innovation Academy (SINA).
The structure of the competition is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). The three goals that were most frequently pursued by the initiatives this year are "Decent work and economic growth" (goal eight), "Reduced inequalities" (goal ten) and "Sustainable cities and communities" (goal eleven). Social entrepreneurs from Europe (30.7 per cent) and Africa (23.6 per cent) were particularly well represented, followed by South and North America (15 per cent each). The initiatives are mainly implemented in Africa (28.9 per cent) and Europe (22.7 per cent).
What happens next
A 13-member jury consisting of tourism experts from all over the world will be deliberating on the applications until 15 June. 63 of these were submitted in the "Launch Track" (for new ideas and projects that have not yet been implemented) and 69 in the "Growth Track" (for existing projects that are to be further developed).
Based on the jury evaluations, up to ten finalists will receive a ten-week mentoring and coaching programme from SINA, which will focus on strengthening the founders' knowledge and skills in the areas of pitching, human-centred design, business modelling and impact measurement in one-on-one meetings and group sessions.
The final selection of the winners will be made by the international jury at a digital award ceremony and pitch event in early September. Both cash and non-cash prizes are available in both categories.
Information on the partner organisations
About ITB Berlin:
Since 1966, ITB's mission has been to bring together the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry. ITB is an inspiration for business and the place to be for everyone who is passionate about the tourism industry. The commitment to social, ecological and economic sustainability has been an integral part of ITB Berlin for many years. The current demands on flagship events have encouraged ITB Berlin to create a digital platform that connects and empowers the global travel industry - ITB Berlin NOW (9-12 March 2021), the digital gathering of the global travel industry.
About the Social Innovation Academy (SINA):
Founded in 2014, the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) in Uganda empowers scholarship holders from difficult social backgrounds to be self-organised and self-responsible ("freesponsible") and to acquire the skills they need to set up their own social enterprise.
About Travel Massive:
Travel Massive is the springboard for travel brands and destinations. Our global community of over 60,000 creative minds and industry influencers discover and share the best travel highlights every day.
About the TUI Care Foundation:
The TUI Care Foundation initiates and supports projects that open up new future prospects for young people around the world, protect nature and the environment and promote the sustainable development of holiday destinations. The foundation focuses on the potential of the tourism sector as a driver of social development, education and prosperity.
The foundation operates worldwide, but always focuses on the specific situation on the ground. It builds on strong partnerships with regional and international organisations to bring about sustainable change. The TUI Care Foundation is based in the heart of Europe, in the Netherlands.
About the UNWTO:
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organisation in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as an engine for economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and provides leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policy worldwide.
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