Beyond Tourism Impact Stars
Apply to join the leading innovators advancing innovative and impactful solutions across the travel and tourism ecosystem
About
The global Travel and Tourism sector is entering a defining decade of transformation. Expected to generate $16 trillion in GDP by 2034, the sector faces mounting tensions, including workforce shortages, investment gaps, increased friction with local commun ities, and global climate andgeoeconomic disruptions. Addressing these challenges will require bold private -sector leadership and ecosystem collaboration to develop scalable solutions that deliver both business value and positive local impact.
Developed by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Kearney and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, the Beyond Tourism Impact Stars platform identifies, recognises and amplifies private-sector-led practices and initiatives that advance innovative and impactful solutions across the travel and tourism ecosystem, while also providing space for knowledge exchange, tool development, and collaboration.
Impact Star recognition
What is an Impact Star?
Impact Star recognition is awarded to proven, commercially viable, private -sector -led practices and initiatives that drive impact by addressing critical travel and tourism tension points * through innovative approaches across technology, people and skills, infrastructure, finance, business models and governance, while aligning with the World Economic Forum’s Principles for Transformative Tourism.
Who should apply?
Applications are open to private -sector organisations implementing solutions across a wide range of industries , including hospitality, aviation, mobility, real estate, infrastructure development, finance and banking, technology, retail, food and beverage, education, sports and entertainment, nature attractions, and arts and culture.
In addition, context, including the type of solutions and challenges addressed, operating environment, market and geography, company type and other conditions will be considered.
Recognised initiatives are expected to actively contribute to the platform by sharing lessons learned, participating in programme events, delegating senior leadership to key activities and contributing materials for case studies, insights and media coverage detailing their impact, delivery models and key enablers.
Application process
Application: Organisations submit an online application including survey responses and supporting materials.
Shortlisting and interview: Applications are reviewed by the Impact Stars team against the evaluation criteria. Select applicants are invited to participate in a virtualminterview to validate information and expand on their story.
Panel review : Shortlisted applications are evaluated and selected by an independent panel of experts from industry, academia and civil society.
Announcement : Selected Impact Stars are formally announced at a World Economic Forum event, typically during Beyond Tourism Day in Geneva, Switzerland.
Benefits of becoming an Impact Star
Impact Stars receive several benefits, including:
Global visibility and recognition through World Economic Forum events, media features and digital channels, positioning organisations as leaders shaping the future of travel and tourism.
Access to a global Impact Star Network, connecting recognised innovators with senior leaders, experts and decision -makers across the travel and tourism ecosystem.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange by participating in curated workshops, learning exchanges and site visits designed to share best practices and scale innovative solutions.
Thought leadership and influence, including participation in published case studies, insights and practical tool development that position your organisation as a reference for best practice.
Impact Star criteria
An Impact Star practice will be assessed on:
Business impact that improves operational performance and shows commercial viability (e.g. revenue, productivity, market share) .
External impact generated by addressing travel and tourism tension points.
Innovation that introduces a novel practice, solution model, partnership structure, or approach.
Collaboration or meaningful engagement with different private and public sector players, civil society, and other travel and tourism ecosystem players.
Global relevance and replicability that enables adoption by other companies and organi sations around the world.
Impact Star s 2026 timeline
– April : Online applications open 28 April 28.
– July : Online application closes 15 July 15 .
– June to July : Applicant shortlisting and interviews.
– August : Final review and selection by expert panel in late August or early September.
– September : Official announcement of Impact Star winners during the World Economic Forum Beyond Tourism Day in Geneva, Switzerland on 25 September .
– November : First Impact Stars Knowledge Exchange virtual session hosted by the Forum.
Learn more about becoming an Impact Star
Contact the World Economic Forum Beyond Tourism team at tourism@weforum.org