KATHMANDU: UN Tourism has launched the Safe Destinations Challenge, an open innovation call aimed at strengthening crisis preparedness, response, and recovery across tourism destinations, with a focus on Europe. The initiative falls under the Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) programme, launched earlier this year in partnership with Czechia.

With Europe accounting for 58% of global tourism, 747 million international arrivals in 2024, the challenge seeks solutions that enhance resilience to natural, climate, health, cyber, and security threats. The call is open to startups, SMEs, academic institutions, local authorities, and tourism organizations with innovative ideas or tools that protect destinations and communities.

The challenge focuses on three key areas:

• Resilience to climate, health, and natural hazards
• Safety and cybersecurity in tourism destinations
• Effective crisis communication

Over the past five decades, Europe has faced more than 1,700 climate-related disasters, causing over 160,000 deaths and economic losses exceeding half a trillion dollars, highlighting the urgent need for improved crisis governance in tourism.

“Tourism is more than an industry—it’s a web of human connections,” said Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism. “Resilience is no longer optional—it’s essential.”

Applications for the Safe Destinations Challenge are open until October 31, 2025.