The second challenge of the FRANCIS initiative brought together people from around the world to rethink hotel, travel, and outdoor experiences. Launched on 11 July 2024, this challenge aimed to inspire ideas that make travel and leisure more inclusive and eco-friendly. Here’s a quick look at the journey, the numbers, and what’s coming next.
A Grand Finale in Florence’s Heart
The final event of Challenge Two unfolded at the stunning 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino in Florence, Italy. Nestled in the vibrant district of Santa Maria Novella, this venue offered the perfect blend of modern creativity and historic charm. Known for its eclectic design inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, the hotel provided an inspiring backdrop for the finalists to showcase their innovative ideas. With its welcoming atmosphere and unique character, the venue embodied the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the FRANCIS initiative
How It Worked
The challenge was spread across three rounds, starting with idea submissions and ending with a final showcase of prototypes. Participants had access to three platforms—one each in German, English, and Spanish—to ensure that participants from the challenge’s target countries Germany, India and Colombia could take part in a language they were comfortable with.
Participation in Numbers
Here’s how the challenge played out:
- Round One: Approx 500 teams with more than 500 participants from 24 countries registered for the challenge. Most participants came from India (>300) and Colombia (>125), showing strong global interest. 124 Teams submitted ideas.
- Round Two: 84 teams moved forward to round two, 58 submitted a concept.
- Final Round: 5 teams were selected for the last stage, representing innovation at its best.
The Three Topics
The ideas focused on three areas
- Reimagined Hospitality – Rethinking the way we experience stays and services.
- Smart, Simple, and Seamless Travel – Making travel easier and more accessible for everyone.
- Sustainable Exploration – Exploring eco-friendly and meaningful ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Where Diversity Shined
Registrations came from all over the world, including:
- India: The largest group, with >300 participants.
- Colombia: 125+ participants.
- Germany: 65+ participants.
- Smaller groups from places like South Africa, Greece, and Ethiopia added to the mix.
This diverse representation showed how people everywhere are thinking about making travel more inclusive and sustainable.
The Final Event in Florence
The journey ended in a grand final event in Florence, Italy. Here, the top teams presented their prototypes to a jury of industry mentors. These mentors provided valuable feedback and helped guide the teams toward bringing their ideas to life.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. In the coming updates, we’ll share exciting details about the finalists’ ideas and the lessons we’ve learned from this challenge. Stay tuned for insights into how these innovations could shape the future of travel and hospitality.
This challenge showed that collaboration and creativity know no boundaries. With participants from 24 countries, it’s clear that the FRANCIS initiative is helping spark solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future.