On November 1st, 2018, Unsettled joined 10 startups from around the world on stage at the UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 109th Executive Council session in Manama, Bahrain. It was part of the inaugural UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, the world’s largest initiative dedicated to identifying the startups that will lead the transformation of the tourism sector.

Selected from over 3,000 global startups in the travel industry, Unsettled co-founder Jonathan Kalan was given 5 minutes to pitch Unsettled’s vision of how the company is transforming the travel industry by taking a unique approach that blends work, travel, and adventure into a community-driven experience for working professionals seeking to break out of their routine.

After a Dragon’s Den style questioning from an expert panel of judges, including investors, entrepreneurs, and leading travel industry experts, Unsettled was announced the winner. 

To us as a company, this award is a powerful recognition by the UN for our efforts in pioneering a new type of travel experience; one that it driven by a slower and more intentional form of travel, more locally integrated experiences, and the idea that travelers are looking for a more meaningful experience that’s rooted in community, growth, and learning, as much as it is adventure.

We’re excited to have participated, and even more excited to have taken home the top spot. It will only serve to accelerate and inspire our efforts to continue embracing the unknown, challenging the status quo, and shaping the future of how we live, work, and travel in the 21st century… and beyond.

If you’re ready to join us in shaping that future, find your next adventure with us!