Is your pitch deck ready? Join the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and UnTours Foundation for this annual pitch competition during the Adventure Travel World Summit. Tourism businesses will compete for total cash prizes of $7,500 and an investment of up to $50,000 from the UnTours Foundation’s Reset Tourism Fund.
The Reset Tourism Fund was created to identify high-impact entrepreneurs and businesses and provide them the financing they need to grow and flourish. The fund provides different types of investment, including low interest loans, revenue-based financing, and equity investments. Funding partners include Expedia Group and Tui Care Foundation.
We are currently sorting through over 50 entries from companies at the forefront of building a more sustainable and community-enhancing travel industry—integrating climate resiliency and sustainability into their operations, serving as pillars for their local communities, creating high-quality jobs, advancing racial and gender equity, and offering meaningful travel experiences for all travelers, especially those who have been historically underserved by the industry.
While we no longer accept entries for this competition, entrepreneurs and businesses may apply for investment through our Reset Tourism Fund.
The Reset Tourism Fund was created to identify high-impact entrepreneurs and businesses and provide them the financing they need to grow and flourish. The fund provides different types of investment, including low interest loans, revenue-based financing, and equity investments. Funding partners include Expedia Group and Tui Care Foundation.
We are currently sorting through over 50 entries from companies at the forefront of building a more sustainable and community-enhancing travel industry—integrating climate resiliency and sustainability into their operations, serving as pillars for their local communities, creating high-quality jobs, advancing racial and gender equity, and offering meaningful travel experiences for all travelers, especially those who have been historically underserved by the industry.
While we no longer accept entries for this competition, entrepreneurs and businesses may apply for investment through our Reset Tourism Fund.
Suzanne al Houby
Suzanne Al Houby is the first Arab woman to summit Mount Everest and a prominent figure in Middle Eastern adventure tourism. She founded and leads Rahhalah Explorers, a company dedicated to sustainable and ethical travel. Beyond her mountaineering achievements, Suzanne is a strong advocate for environmental conservation and supports community development through adventure tourism initiatives.
Tullia Caballero Augi
Tullia Caballero Augi is the Director of S-CAPE Travel and a sustainable tourism expert, recognized for her work in developing eco-friendly tourism initiatives such as the Green Travel Partnership and the Conservation Through Tourism project. She has also led major conservation efforts like the Coral Reef Rehabilitation program in the Caribbean. Tullia’s work has significantly advanced responsible travel, driving a shift towards sustainability and community-focused tourism practices.
Gabby Beckford
Gabby Beckford is a travel expert and digital content creator, known for her focus on youth empowerment and adventure travel. She founded Packs Light, a platform that provides resources and opportunities for young travelers to explore the world. Gabby has also led initiatives like the Young Travelers Network and Solo Travel Safety Workshops, encouraging safe and accessible travel for all.
Boratay Uysal
Boratay Uysal is the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Agoda, where he leads the integration of sustainable practices and promotes responsible travel initiatives. He has played a key role in launching programs like EcoDeals, which encourage eco-friendly bookings and support environmental conservation through their partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Stevie Christie
Stevie Christie is the founder of Wilderness Scotland, where he has developed award-winning ecotourism experiences that showcase Scotland’s natural beauty while prioritizing environmental conservation. Stevie has also been involved in initiatives like the Green Tourism Business Scheme and Community Tourism Projects, which support local communities and encourage responsible travel practices across Scotland.
Caleb Harvey worked as an intern with the UnTours Foundation in the summer of 2007 and was exposed to the daily operations of UnTours’ small business loan program, participated in the Fair Trade Town Committee, and worked on the promotion of Fair Trade products to local businesses. He holds a degree in fiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College, and works at Pendle Hill, a Quaker community center, assisting the Director of Hospitality. Caleb continues to be inspired by the UnTours Foundation’s model of furthering social justice and sustainability through the empowerment of small businesses.
Melissa Lee is the Founder and CEO of The GREEN Program (TGP), a global experiential education program for future sustainability leaders. Melissa has been recognized by NAWBO as Environmental Advocate of the Year, Forbes 30 Under 30, and served as a U.N. Global Schools Ambassador, Lattman Visiting Scholar of Science and Society at Penn State, and Heinz Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh for her role in incorporating SDGs into global education and workforce development. She currently serves the UnTours Foundation as a board member across the social impact, tourism, and sustainability sectors.
Heather Van Dusen is a consultant for B Corporations. She was the first employee at B Lab, the nonprofit that certifies and supports B Corporations and facilitates the passage of benefit corporation legislation. Heather has held positions in the standards, policy, and business development arenas. Born and raised in the Philadelphia suburbs, she has worked with local environmental and community advocacy groups there such as PennEnvironment and CeaseFirePa. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in religion from Amherst College.
Get noticed at ATWS! Two partnership levels are available.
Email Richard G. Edwards at [email protected] for details.
