UNWTO & Infecar launch global startup contest for hotel tech & business innovation

Monday, December 4, 2023

The collaboration between the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) aims to identify entrepreneurs who play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscapes of hotels and new business models.

Open to startups and entrepreneurs globally, the UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models invites participants to showcase their innovations. The competition will recognize 10 finalists with outstanding solutions in the categories of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and Business Models, as well as Sustainability Impact.

In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, innovation and technology are redefining the guest experience, turning hotels into centers of seamless, personalized services. This competition seeks to discover global startups at the forefront of pioneering solutions that enhance guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability for both hotels and new business models, according to Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Infecar, hosting the UNWTO Startup Competition for the second consecutive year, emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and innovation within the industry, particularly focusing on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels, as expressed by Ms. Natalia Santana, Director General of Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria.

The finalists will present their ideas at the Tourism Tech Adventures Canarias on February 20, 2024, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaría, followed by mentorship opportunities from international partners. The winning startups will not only receive tailored support but also become members of the UNWTO Innovation Network, gaining access to venture capital and the private sector. Furthermore, they will be eligible for scholarship opportunities from the Tourism Online Academy, with the potential implementation of their projects.

Interested parties can submit their applications, with the deadline set for January 29, 2024.

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