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UN Tourism Launches ‘Safe Destinations Challenge’ to Boost Tourism Resilience
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.
Image Credit: © UN Tourism
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