LONDON — WTM London 2018, taking place Nov. 5 – 7, will host a day-long challenge organized by The Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) that puts teams against each other to solve overcrowding in some of Europe’s busiest destinations.

Working with I Amsterdam, the destination challenge asks teams from start-up hubs, tech communities and innovation centres, alongside destination, industry and academia to use design thinking to come up with a solution to overcrowding in these popular tourist hotspots. The event is set to take place at WTM on Nov. 7.

Applicants are invited to apply for their spot by filling out an application form and explaining why the topic is important to them.

Applicants will then be sorted and arranged into teams ahead of the day to allow for additional preparation and research.

On the day, the teams will listen to real-life case studies from Amsterdam before getting on with the challenge and finding a solution to: How can we overcome the challenge of overcrowding in tourism hotspots and spread the value of tourism wider?

Speaking of the destination challenge and the opportunity it poses for all involved, Nick Hall, DTTT founder says: “This is a truly unique gathering of some of the brightest minds from within, and also outside, of the travel industry. For challenge participants, the opportunity is unprecedented; to pitch solutions to a hugely engaged audience of leading destination and industry professionals in the Europe Inspiration Zone.”

The Challenge Host cities, as well as WTM London and DTTT experts will be on-hand throughout the day to offer guidance, feedback and advice before each team pitching to a panel of judges at the end of the day.

The judges will assessing each pitch based on the strength of the solution, how realistic it is to launch, how creative the approach is and how long it is likely to last. The winning team is invited to #DTTTGlobal in Helsinki this year to pitch their winning solution to industry experts and DMO representatives from all over the world.

WTM London, Conference and Seminar Manager, Charlotte Alderslade, said: “Ideas Arrive at WTM London and this session on overcrowding is the perfect example of how the event looks to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and come up with solutions.”

The challenge takes place all day on Nov. 7, kicking off at 8 a.m., with the final round of pitching happening 3 – 4:30 p.m. in the Europe Inspiration Zone.

Submissions for applications to take part in the session close on Oct. 24. Apply at https://www.thinkdigital.travel/challenge/.