It is a global initiative that aims to identify startups with the greatest potential to outline the future and promote sustainable innovation in the sports & tourism sector. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency. Also, responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development. Also,  environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

Sports & Tourism stimulates entrepreneurship and the generation of new companies and organizations that necessarily affect other industries transversally and fosters values such as:

Sustainability-based on maintaining a balance between economic growth, sports, and innovation.
Cooperation, solidarity, and unity amongst all actors that belong to sports and tourism sector.
Authenticity by highlighting local sports and cultural values.

Prizes and Benefits

• 20 selected start-ups will be shortlisted by a panel of international experts and stakeholders from the Sports & Tourism sectors (public and private sector, academia, and civil society)
• The 5 finalist start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of governments, industry leaders. Further,  international investors who will attend the Mobile World Congress (MWC) to be held in Barcelona on 25-28 February 2019.
• Likewise, the winning company will have the possibility to make its mark on the international stage. Also, increase the impact of its start-up with the help of FC Barcelona experts with a customized mentoring. Further, program and the possibility of participating in Barça Innovation HUB.
• The winning company will have the opportunity to design a pilot project with FC Barcelona and implement it with the help of its network.

Eligibility

They are looking for startups with the most disruptive ideas focused on solving real needs in the tourism and gastronomy sector with a responsible approach.

In particular, they are targeting startups that are:

• In the Early Stage or Series A Stage
• Both for-profit and non-profit
• Natural or legal persons
• Startups with a minimum viable product (MVP)
• Likewise, startups with potential for scalability
• Startups with a sustainable vision