Global Innovation Challenge
For over 17 years, the Travel South USA Board of Directors has invited domestic and international media companies to submit proposals for consideration in the Global Innovation Challenge (GIC). This competition is a platform for the best ideas in creativity, innovation, and measurement to promote travel and visitation to the Travel South region. The TSUSA-sponsored program, a testament to the 17-year success of the Ad Challenge, is our response to the significant disruption our industry is facing in reaching and connecting with domestic and international travelers in a rapidly changing media landscape.
At Travel South USA, we foster a culture of collaboration. Our unique programming is designed to allow our participating state tourism offices (STOs) to come together, share ideas, and leverage their investments effectively, creating a strong and united community.
Request for Proposals released in early October 2024.
Request for Proposal by Invitation Only
The evaluation process has been completed. See the schedule below:
Global Innovation Challenge Schedule
Monday, March 31, 2025
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm
The Independent
Cherokee
1:50 pm – 2:05 pm
National GeographicTraveller UK
Cherokee
1:50 pm – 2:05 pm
America Unlimited (DE)
Cherokee
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
Hays Travel
Cherokee
2:50 pm – 3:05 pm
Hopper International
Cherokee
3:10 pm – 3:25 pm
Family Traveller UK & Canada
Cherokee
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm
MDSG
Cherokee
3:50 pm – 4:05 pm
Atlas Obscura
Cherokee
4:10 pm – 4:25 pm
Wanderlust
Cherokee
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Sojern
Cherokee
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
11:00 am – 12:35 pm
Workshop 1
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: Nat Geo Traveller UK
11:25 am – 11:45 am
Workshop 2
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: Hopper International – Canada
11:50 am – 12:10 pm
Workshop 3
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: HBX
12:15 pm – 12:35 pm
Workshop 4
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: Wanderlust
12:40 pm – 12:45 pm
Media Vendor Sponsor Pitch
Commonwealth Ballroom 1-4
Presented by: Phoenix Publishing – Global
2:15 pm – 2:35 pm
Workshop 5
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: Hays Travel – UK
2:40 pm – 3:00 pm
Workshop 6
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: American Unlimited – DE
3:05 pm – 3:35 pm
Workshop 7
Commonwealth Ballroom 6,7,8
Presented by: ATI/Drive America – Global
