Tourexpi
UN Tourism highlights innovation in Marrakesh with startup awards and new initiatives
UN Tourism has underlined its commitment to innovation
as a key pillar for the future of global tourism. This focus was showcased in
Marrakesh, where the International Conference on Technological Innovation and
Tourism Investments brought together leaders from tourism, technology and
finance to discuss new approaches to growth and competitiveness.
Startups recognised across key sectors
The conference also hosted the announcement of the
winners of the National Start-up Competition, highlighting innovation in
digital tourism, leisure and gastronomy. Selected from a pool of emerging
companies, the winners were recognised for their contribution to advancing
these sectors and showcasing Moroccan creativity internationally.
The overall winner, Beyond the Map, was honoured for
its use of augmented reality, artificial intelligence and text-to-speech
technology to create immersive experiences at historical and cultural sites. In
the “Gaming for Leisure” category, Mossika was recognised for its digital music
education platform, which connects learners with musicians and their cultural
backgrounds. In the “Moroccan Gastronomy” category, Medina Mirage received the
award for its technology-driven approach to immersive dining experiences.
Support programmes for future growth
Ahead of the conference, finalists participated in
masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring sessions organised by Bridge for
Billions. Going forward, they will receive continued support through mentoring
initiatives from Les Roches and Spark.
In addition, the startups will join the UN Tourism
Innovation Network, gaining access to international expertise, strategic
partnerships and opportunities to scale their business models.
New focus on rural and community tourism
Alongside the awards, UN Tourism introduced a new
initiative aimed at strengthening rural development. The Morocco National UN
Tourism Startup Competition: Rural & Community Tourism Innovation Challenge
will support startups that promote community-based tourism models.
The programme is designed to encourage innovative
solutions that contribute to sustainable tourism while delivering tangible
benefits to local communities, further expanding the organisation’s focus on
inclusive development within the sector.
Image Credit: © UN Tourism
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