Globetrotting for Good: The Condé Nast Traveler Challenge

Deadline for entries: May 22, 2009.

The three winners each receive $5,000 and will be published in the September 2009 “Power of Travel” issue of Condé Nast Traveler.

WE BELIEVE that travelers and the travel industry have great power to do good in the world. JOIN US in this international competition for the best ideas for promoting effective and rewarding global citizenship—helping preserve environments, supporting communities.

ENTER NOW and tell us (1) how travelers can contribute meaningfully to the lives of local people, and/or (2) how travel companies can best engage their guests in the communities they visit. nominate enter discuss The challenge is open to individuals, organizations, and companies.

We will consider all entries that: Reflect the theme of the challenge: We are searching for innovative ideas and projects that use travel to promote good in the world. We are seeking the best ideas on how to promote the principles of global citizenship—through individual travelers and the travel industry. Are at the idea or early implementation stage: We are looking for new ideas or early stage projects in development.

These may be new ideas or new projects from new or long-established organizations or companies. Complete the entry form: Entries must be fully completed and submitted before the deadline of May 22, 2009. Are submitted in English.

Assessment Criteria Innovation: Is this idea or project innovative? Does it describe an original way in which travel can promote good and connect people? Does it solve the problem in a unique manner? This is the knock-out test.

The innovation should be distinct from existing travel projects or initiatives in the field. The best projects will demonstrate a unique model of change by which travelers, travel companies, and local citizens are empowered to create healthier and more sustainable communities that benefit their citizens, heritage, and environment.

As this is a global challenge, we are looking for ideas that could be universally applicable.

Social Impact: What is the social impact of this idea or project? How does it help connect people around the world and stimulate global citizenship? How does it help build empathy, raise awareness, influence public policy, or deepen a community’s understanding through travel? The best ideas will engage individual travelers as well as demonstrate a positive impact on the local community or society at large.

Beyond leisure and entertainment appeal, we are looking for ideas that use travel to influence or lead to systemic change. Sustainability: Could this idea be implemented and, ultimately, sustained? To achieve lasting impact, an innovation needs to be financially and environmentally sustainable. While entrants will not be expected to launch their ideas, we are looking for practical, concrete solutions that have potential to be implemented.

The best ideas would also have potential to be replicated so that they could have far-reaching impact. Challenge Deadlines Entries for the Condé Nast Traveler Challenge will be accepted until May 22, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

The community will be able to vote on entries as soon as they are posted so individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit ideas early. In addition, early entrants may receive more comments, questions, and insights from the Changemakers and Condé Nast Traveler communities, which can be used to improve (and resubmit) their entries before the deadline.

The three winners each receive $5,000. More importantly, all entrants gain great exposure on our website and have their entry read by a global community of innovators and investors. The finalists receive media attention and are showcased on the Changemakers website. THE WINNERS will be published in the September 2009 “Power of Travel” issue of Condé Nast Traveler.