New Start-up Innovation Award at World Tourism Forum

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) will take place for the fourth time in the central Swiss city on 23 and 24 April 2015 under the slogan: "Talents, Innovation & Sustainable Development – Walk the Talk". Held every two years, the event is again expected to attract more than 400 decision-makers from the tourism industry and related sectors of economics, politics, finance and science. They will meet at Lucerne's KKL Culture & Convention Centre to debate challenges and changes in global tourism and travel.

For the first time start-ups have the chance to win a special award. Finalists will be invited to attend the World Tourism Forum and will be provided with round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation, and free registration at the World Tourism Forum. In addition, each finalist will have the opportunity to present their innovative business concept to the WTFL audience for a five-minute presentation, leading to the selection of the winner and two runners Up. The Winner will receive a prize of USD$10,000 and each runner up will receive USD$5,000.

Who May Apply
Any individual or group with a company or business concept that has been in development for no more than three years, and is either in the initial implementation phase, or is anticipated to enter that phase within the next 12 months.

Applicants will be judged on innovation, creativity, and on how well-constructed and researched their business plan is, while addressing a challenge facing the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. The winning entry will also demonstrate how their business concept embraces key sustainable tourism principles, defined as: environmentallyfriendly operations, supporting the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and contributing to the social and economic well-being of local peoples.

More information on the website of the World Tourism Forum.