Nguyen Thao Van wins its first-ever Investors’ Nest competition at the 24th WTTC Global Summit: Here’s more you nee to know

Monday, October 14, 2024

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced Nguyen Thao Van from VinUniversity, Vietnam, as the winner of the first-ever Investors’ Nest competition at the 24th WTTC Global Summit.

Held in partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) of Hotelschool The Hague, the event showcased groundbreaking solutions from students around the world aimed at reshaping the future of the hospitality industry.

Students from over 75 universities globally competed in regional semi-finals, culminating in a selection of five finalist teams.

The finalists—representing the University of West London (UK), VinUniversity (Vietnam), Instituto Profesional Duoc UC (Chile), Cornell University (USA), and University of West Indies (Jamaica)—presented their innovative solutions during the WTTC Global Summit, addressing sustainability challenges such as plastic pollution, renewable energy, food waste management, and cultural tourism.

Nguyen Thao Van’s winning project, Dynapath, impressed industry leaders and investors with its innovative use of plastic waste to create kinetic tiles that generate electricity from foot traffic using piezoelectric technology.

This solution not only reduces plastic pollution but also provides a renewable energy source, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hotels and airports.

Dynapath has the potential to set new sustainability standards in the Travel & Tourism sector.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, expressed pride in all the finalists, stating, “Dynapath exemplifies the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we need to drive our sector forward.”

The Investors’ Nest, a new initiative, supports emerging talent and fosters innovation to address sustainability challenges in the hospitality industry.

The distinguished panel of judges, which included Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair and Founder of Certares Management LLC; Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company; Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel; and Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Spa, evaluated the projects based on sustainability impact, market potential, and innovation.

Greg O’Hara remarked, “These students are the change agents of their generation, and their ideas are exactly what the travel industry needs to progress.”

The SHC theme this year called for scalable solutions that redefine hospitality practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.

The WTTC Global Summit, themed “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” brought together leaders from the public and private sectors to explore the future of Travel & Tourism, with a focus on collaboration and innovation as drivers of sustainable growth.

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