Youth Competition of Tourism Projects “Territory of Tourism 2026”: A Chance for New Ideas

What the “Territory of Tourism 2026” competition is about?

The Russian Tourism Union, together with the Faculty of Geography of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, has launched an international competition aimed at youth initiatives in tourism. The format is open to university students, young professionals, startup teams and budding entrepreneurs from Russia and abroad. Its main goal is to discover fresh solutions that will help the sector cope with staff shortages, rapid digitalisation and growing competition among regions for tourist flows.

Who might be interested in taking part?

The competition is open to a wide range of participants:

• University students studying tourism, geography, economics or related fields;
• Young specialists already working in travel agencies or adjacent industries;
• Startup teams developing innovative products and services;
• Entrepreneurs planning to launch new tourism projects.

All interested parties can submit an application through the official portal contest.rst.ru by 15 July.

Six competition categories

Participants may choose one of six nominations, each reflecting a current industry challenge:

1. Innovation in hotel business – ideas that can boost hotel efficiency, improve service or introduce new technological solutions.
2. New tourist routes and products – developments that expand the geography of travel and create unique offers for visitors.
3. Territory attractiveness development – projects aimed at raising interest in specific regions, their cultural and natural heritage.
4. Social initiatives – solutions that make tourism more accessible, including inclusive formats and adapted infrastructure.
5. Environmental practices – proposals that promote sustainable development and reduce tourism’s negative impact on nature.
6. Marketing and promotion – creative strategies that help regions and brands reach new markets and attract more visitors.

How the selection will work?

The competition is staged, allowing participants not only to present an idea but also to receive support for its implementation:

• 15 July – deadline for applications.
• 16‑30 July – semi‑final selection, where experts evaluate the submitted projects.
• 1‑20 August – educational accelerator: participants work with mentors from partner companies, gain access to training materials and practical advice.
• 21‑31 August – final stage, including a public defence of projects before a jury.
• 2‑4 September – awards ceremony during the 32nd International Forum‑Exhibition “Leisure 2026”. Winners of each nomination and the grand‑prize will be announced.

Partners and prizes

Key partners of the competition are major players in the tourism industry: Fun&Sun, Alean, Rasha Discovery, Cosmos Hotel Group and Azimut Hotels. Their involvement provides not only financial backing but also the possibility for winners to gain real‑world experience in the sector.

Winners and finalists will receive:

• Internships at leading tourism companies, opening doors to future careers;
• Access to acceleration programmes where ideas can be refined and prepared for market launch;
• Expert support from mentors and patron‑specialists;
• Special prizes from partners, which may include equipment, software or advertising campaigns.

Why this matters for the tourism industry

Tourism in Russia faces several serious challenges: a shortage of qualified staff, the need for digital transformation and increasing competition among regions for tourist flows. The “Territory of Tourism” competition is designed as a “talent lift” – a platform where bright young people can showcase their ideas, and industry companies can quickly find new specialists and innovative solutions.

Moreover, the format encourages cross‑disciplinary collaboration: geography students can work with IT specialists, marketers with environmental experts, creating comprehensive projects that meet modern market demands.

How to prepare your application?

For a successful entry, it is recommended to:

1. Clearly define the problem your project solves and explain its relevance to tourism.
2. Describe the innovative aspect: which technologies, methods or approaches you propose.
3. Provide a concrete example of practical application – whether it’s a new route, a hotel service, or an accessible‑tourism programme.
4. Indicate the resources and support you will need to implement the idea.
5. Prepare visual materials (schemes, infographics) that help the jury quickly grasp the core of the project.

What to expect after the competition?

Participants who pass the selection will not only get the chance to present their work on an international stage but also receive real support in the form of mentorship and internships. It is an opportunity to turn an academic idea into a commercial product and to make contacts with potential investors and employers.

Bottom line

The “Territory of Tourism 2026” competition is a unique opportunity for young talent to contribute to the development of Russian tourism, gain practical experience and open doors to career growth. If you are a student, a startup founder or simply want to propose an innovative solution for the sector, keep an eye on the dates, prepare your application and join an initiative that could become the launchpad for your future successes.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.