Georgia to Host “Welcome Challenge” – Hospitality & Travel Industry Innovations Global Forum

Welcome Challenge, an annual Global Forum for Hospitality and Travel Industry Innovations is to have Georgia as its host country this year on 24-26 October.

Dimitry Kumsishvili, the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, along with the organizers of “Welcome Challenge,” at the announcement event highlighted the growing dynamics of Georgia as a tourism destination. Georgia was identified as a host country for a reason: it is characterized as one of the most visited tourist places, with an accelerated growth in the number of incoming visitors. The Global Forum will gather innovative start-ups, leading experts, large international corporations and financial companies.

The aim of the Forum will be to give 25-30 start-ups the opportunity to participate in an innovative competition within the tourism industry. An international jury will identify the winners, who will have the chance to receive grants of up to EUR 15,000 and sign contract agreements with potential investors. The Forum will also serve as a networking event for interested parties to meet investors and identify areas of collaboration as well as host a conference to emphasize the importance of innovation, education and related sectors.

Ahead of that event, a BootCamp will be organized in Zugdidi and Anaklia, where start-ups will be selected to attend the Global Forum and participate in the competition. The Global Forum will bring various benefits to the country’s economy, expand tourism opportunities and offer vast resources within the tourism industry.

Event organizers: CBC Georgia

Partners: Georgian Government and Creative Business Cup

Supporter: UNWTO.

The event will be held within the scope of Check in Georgia.

By Anna Zhvania