UN Tourism Launches “Safe Destinations Challenge” to Boost Resilience in Europe and Beyond
UN Tourism has unveiled the Safe Destinations Challenge, a new initiative designed to position tourism as a driver of resilience, safety, and sustainability. The challenge launches with a focus on Europe, the world’s most visited region, which received 747 million international tourists in 2024, representing 58% of global arrivals.
The initiative seeks innovative solutions that protect both tourism destinations and the people who live in and visit them. Over the last 50 years, Europe has faced more than 1,700 natural hazards—including climate events, fires, and floods—leading to over 160,000 deaths and more than $500 billion USD in economic damages. As climate and crisis risks increase, strengthening preparedness and response systems has become a critical priority.
The challenge forms part of the SAFE-D (Safety of Destinations) initiative, focusing on Tourism Crisis Preparedness, Response, and Recovery in the European Region. It invites proposals in three core categories:
-
Category 1: Resilience to Natural, Climate, and Health-Related Hazards – Projects that help anticipate, mitigate, and respond to environmental and health threats.
-
Category 2: Safety, Security, and Cyber Threats – Solutions that address physical and digital safety for tourists and destinations.
-
Category 3: Crisis Communication – Effective strategies to improve communication before, during, and after emergencies.
Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, emphasized the sector's broader impact:
“Tourism is more than an industry—it’s a network of human stories. With 1 in 10 jobs worldwide tied to this sector, the way we prepare for and respond to crises will shape our collective future. In 2020, the cost of unpreparedness led to a loss of $1.3 trillion USD in international tourism revenues. Resilience is no longer optional—it’s essential.”
The Open Innovation Call is open to startups, scaleups, SMEs, local governments, academic institutions, and tourism organizations working to protect the physical, cultural, and economic integrity of destinations. The initiative encourages collaborative solutions that enhance the sector’s ability to withstand disruptions, support communities, and ensure long-term sustainability.
