UN Tourism Launches ‘Safe Destinations Challenge’ to Boost Tourism Resilience

International

Open Innovation Call Seeks Solutions for Crisis Preparedness, Safety, and Sustainability in Tourism.

UN Tourism has officially launched the Safe Destinations Challenge, a new global initiative designed to identify and promote innovative solutions that enhance resilience, safety, and sustainability in the tourism sector. The initiative begins with a focus on Europe, which welcomed 747 million international tourists in 2024, accounting for 58% of global arrivals.

Urgent Need for Preparedness

Europe has faced over 1,700 climate, fire, weather, and water-related disasters in the past 50 years, resulting in more than 160,000 lives lost and economic damages exceeding half a trillion US dollars. The Safe Destinations Challenge addresses this rising vulnerability and calls for enhanced tourism crisis governance at every level.

About the Safe Destinations Challenge

Launched under the Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) initiative, this Open Innovation Call for the European Region focuses on strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery in tourism through three key categories:

Category 1: Resilience to Natural, Climate, and Health Hazards

Projects that anticipate, mitigate, and respond to physical risks—safeguarding communities and visitors alike.

Category 2: Safety, Security, and Cyber Threats

Innovations that enhance physical and digital safety in tourism destinations.

Category 3: Crisis Communication

Effective communication strategies before, during, and after emergencies to improve response and recovery.

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, stated:

“Tourism is more than an industry—it’s a network of human stories. With 1 in 10 jobs globally linked to tourism, the way we anticipate and respond to risk shapes our collective future. This challenge is an invitation to build destinations that are stronger, safer, and more human—because resilience is no longer optional, it’s essential.”

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to:

Startups, scaleups, and innovative micro and SMEs

Local governments, academic institutions, and tourism organizations

Participants are invited to submit tools, strategies, or projects that preserve the physical, cultural, and economic integrity of destinations.

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

More information: UN Tourism SAFE-D (link placeholder)

About the SAFE-D Initiative

Led by UN Tourism, the Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) Initiative is a global platform dedicated to strengthening crisis management in tourism. The SAFE-D Europe component, launched in early 2025 at the initiative of Czechia, addresses the increasing frequency of tourism-related crises—from climate hazards and pandemics to cyber threats and infrastructure failures.

The initiative promotes governance, preparedness, and sustainable recovery as essential pillars of future-proof tourism destinations.