So far, 350 start-ups from 80 countries have signed up to enter the competition
The deadline for entries is 26 August 2021
Organisers have put out a final call for start-ups who want the chance to showcase their innovation to a global audience, network with potential partners, be visible to top investors and get flights, accommodation and stand space for free at this year’s WTM London and Travel Forward events.
WTM London, Travel Forward and World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) have joined forces to find start-ups who are on a mission to revolutionise the industry, who innovate for an impact, are tech-driven, with a purpose to drive sustainable development and good practices.
Front Runners Travel Tech Competition will shortlist 9 start-ups across three categories to be promoted among WTM’s and TF’s exhibitors and attendees as top innovators companies can partner with if they want to thrive in an era where tackling sustainability is becoming imperative.
There are three eligible categories:
- Smart Mobility: Transforming mobility to be equitable, efficient, safe and responsible
- Hospitality of the Future: Exceeding guest expectations and balancing the needs of the local communities
- Experiences Revolution: Revolutionising our daily experiences on the road and back home
The summit will take place on 2 November 2021 during WTM London and Travel Forward physical shows at Excel London, when 9 finalists (top three per category) will be invited to pitch to an international judging panel and exclusive audience of investors, industry leaders and innovators.
Those making the shortlist will be flown to London, with flights and accommodation paid for, to be put in front of a global spotlight during WTM London and Travel Forward. They will also get an exhibitor’s space and the chance to benefit from networking and B2B meetings.
Once at the event, they will get the chance to showcase their innovation by pitching at the exclusive Front Runners Travel Tech Summit.
WTFL is a non-profit Swiss-based institution that brings together decision-makers from industry, government, academia, young university graduates and start-ups. It runs start-up camps that drive and support innovation in tourism and it has developed a Dealflow tool solution that connects start-ups to potential investors.
In addition to the benefits listed above, shortlisted innovators will also be added to the exclusive WTFL Dealflow Tool, instantly enabling them to be visible to top investors.
So far, 350 start-ups from 80 countries have signed up to enter the Front Runners Competition.
One start-up that’s already hoping to make it onto the shortlist is Share.P, a complete plug & play system that uses IoT technology to solve problems with ticketless self-parking and EV charging within the existing parking infrastructure.
Mateusz Wojdylo, CVO of Share.P said: “As an early-stage start-up with the mission of driving sustainable mobility by giving the entire hospitality industry innovative solution to easily sell electrical energy to EV drivers, Share.P is in tune with the Front Runners’ profile and impact opportunities sought in the competition.
“We are applying for this great opportunity as we believe Front Runners Summit will become our growth catalyst, allowing us to gain exposure, increase traction and connect with multiple partners in the hospitality and tourism industries.”
Simon Press, Exhibition Director at WTM London and Travel Forward, said:
“We’ve been thrilled with the amount of interest in this competition, which brings together WTM London’s destinations, Travel Forward’s tech audience and the WTFL’s gravitas to drive positive change and bring tangible value to the industry.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out on this spectacular opportunity to showcase innovation to the world, so this is our final call for applications.”
Martin Barth, President & CEO at WTFL, said:
“There is a natural synergy for innovative tech start-ups with WTM London and Travel Forward’s established global audience of destination – and tourism-centric exhibitors, buyers and suppliers.
“We’re confident that Front Runners will offer an exclusive platform for early-stage start-ups to be put in the spotlight and get traction for their solutions. The sustainable focus of the competition also resonates with the end customer and the global investment community, which is currently seeing strong returns and multiples on enterprise start-up plays.”
The deadline for entries is 26 August 2021. Start-ups are invited to apply by clicking here.
WTM London and Travel Forward in-person shows will take place from November 1-3 at ExCeL London and will be followed by WTM & TF Virtual on November 8-9.
ENDS –
World Tourism Forum Lucerne, is an exclusive platform where leading global companies from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries meet to shape a more sustainable future for tourism. It gives decision makers in-depth insights into the most important topics faced by the tourism industry and a unique global network. World Tourism Forum Lucerne is the only platform to integrate start-ups, next generation leaders and students into one event. Over the past ten years it has developed to become a year-round network of CEOs and thought-leaders who are advocating for positive change in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. Around 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating over £3.71 billion in travel industry contracts.
Next live event: Monday 1 November to 3 November 2021 at ExCel London
Next WTM Virtual: Monday 8 November to 9 November 2021 – Virtual
Travel Forward London is the leading travel technology event, co-located with WTM London. Travel Forward is renowned for showcasing the next-generation technologies for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Over 19,000 travel officials and 150+ innovative solution providers attend for 3 days of cutting-edge insights, open debate and unrivalled networking opportunities. The combination of a 2-day conference, interactive exhibition and start-up showcase makes Travel Forward truly unique.
Next live event: Monday 1 November to 3 November 2021 at ExCel London
Next Travel Forward Virtual: Monday 8 November to 9 November 2021 – Virtual
London Travel Week, brought to you by WTM London, is the one-stop-shop for event hosts and visitors to be able to shape the next 12 months of travel together. The festival of events supports the global travel and tourism industry through capturing invaluable news and enhancing industry connections.
Next event: Friday 29 October – Friday 5 November 2021
https://londontravelweek.wtm.com/
WTM & TF Virtual, is the WTM Portfolio virtual platform, created to offer global delegates the chance to arrange one-to-one virtual meetings, to do business, attend conference sessions and roundtables, take part in speed networking and more. WTM Virtual embrace the global leading travel shows in one platform.
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