Meet the Jury

"Traveling is a core culture. I believe that we can find solutions for the main problems of our civilized world if we engage people to think off the beaten track, to work together to sustain our future with sustainable tourism development, especially in times of crisis.”

"As a global company, we have the responsibility to do the right thing by respecting human rights, as well as the opportunity to influence our industry, so that tourism is a force for good for people and the planet.  

The Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Competition unleashes much needed creativity to solve complex, evolving challenges as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing together travel companies, entrepreneurs and our communities, we can spark disruptive solutions and inspire the next generation of change-makers."

"The pandemic has highlighted the need for the tourism industry to think more consciously about our collective impact. The Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Competition is an opportunity for some of our industry's biggest players to come together and support the tourism businesses that best represent a more regenerative, inclusive, and impact-driven future that our industry needs."

"Solving a social problem through a new business model embodies actual corporate sustainability. Giving these business models and founders a platform is just as important and sustainable. As an international company with more than 500 Lufthansa City Center partners in all parts of the world, we want to support this initiative to promote and strengthen the concept of social entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.”

"Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our industry. As Global Head of Social Sustainability in Amadeus, one of my main goals is to drive social impact in travel and tourism by promoting a purpose-driven innovation ecosystem through collaboration. This competition is a unique opportunity to achieve this goal and maximize the positive impact of innovative entrepreneurs who foster an inclusive and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry."

"The stimulation of Social Enterprises in Tourism is important to drive sustainability and resilience in destinations and local communities all over the world. I am pleased to support the Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism, and I am honored to be a judge for this important initiative."

"I am all about Sustainable Tourism, which in layman's terms means using tourism as a tool to build and develop communities, and society as a whole.

I am glad that this competition is focused on encouraging innovation geared towards providing solutions to social, cultural, and environmental issues in the tourism space. Excited to see what this year's participants have to offer"

"Travel goes beyond making special memories. It has the power to implement new ideas and systems that could lead to positive change. We travel to change ourselves for the better, but it goes both ways. To provide more valuable travel experiences, we must continue updating our destinations to be more inclusive and considerate of our environment. The only way we can achieve this is by leading with new ideas. This is where social innovation comes into play.”

"For over a decade, I've dedicated myself to creating and supporting tourism social enterprises. Social enterprise platforms offer the most sustainable and impactful global model for responsible, authentic, and thriving tourism. Especially true as we work our way out of the pandemic crisis. I am honored to serve as a Judge for the Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism and to recognize these leading social enterprises."

"Social entrepreneurs are the ultimate problem solvers of the tourism industry. Essentially, the travel industry will resist, and thrive, through socially aligned businesses, and I am so excited to see what this year's contestants will bring to the table, and applaud all those who are working towards making the travel industry more inclusive, sustainable and equitable."

"As the World’s leading Travel Trade Show® we are aware of tourism’s responsibilities to society as a whole and believe in a tourism development that attempts to sustain human dignity, security, and justice. We want to actively engage in a dialogue with entrepreneurs in their efforts to create responsible tourism products."

"In those uncertain and unstable times that have become our new normal, social entrepreneurship stands as a desirable business model leading the way towards a more sustainable world for all. An impactful human activity and economic sector, tourism has the power and responsibility to drive positive changes in our societies. I am delighted to play a role in this competition, an exciting opportunity to inspire and foster innovation, cooperation, and purpose-driven action in travel, tourism, and hospitality."

"I thrive on breaking down barriers, building bridges, and igniting passion. I am a guide, a beacon, a source of ideas, and a force in execution."

Matthias is the initiator and creative mind behind numerous tourism projects, recognized with awards such as the German Tourism Prize, the ARGE Alp Prize, and the ADAC Tourism Prize.

"Social Enterprises in the tourism industry are still too far and few between. Especially now that the industry came to a forced halt with COVID-19, there is a huge chance to bring change into the sector and integrate more social and ecological benefit. I'm looking forward to many innovative new ideas that we can support through this competition."