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Whilst reading the latest (fourth!) package of sanctions against Russia announced by the European Commission, I stumbled upon the following expression: āon the wide-ranging and unprecedented packages of measures the EU has been takingā. Let me tell you , Iām looking forward to the day when I can watch the news and the only sector where we see āunprecedented updatesā is in the innovation space.
Ready to check out our weekly wrap-up on the top travel innovation, trends and startups? Letās go!
- Space technologies have the power to be a big part of shaping the future of travel – and we can already use them to solve current challenges. This is what the upcomingĀ CASSINI HackathonĀ will be about: who are the innovators ready to use EU space tech to transform European tourism?Ā The applications are now open!Ā We canāt wait to see which innovations will come out of this yearās challenge!
- What does the movie The Bodyguard and the startupĀ HearHereĀ have in common? Kevin Costner. The actor is the co-founder of the audio app that plays stories based on a travelerās geographic location and interest.Ā HearHere has just raised $3.2 millionĀ to continue its business growth and expansion.
- Another celebrity joining the travel industry is Jennifer Lopez, who just joinedĀ Virgin VoyagesĀ as an investor and Chief entertainment and lifestyle officer. TheĀ cruise company plans to go global this yearĀ with homeports in Miami, Barcelona and Athens.
- TravelXĀ launched in 2021 and has been working on a blockchain-based solution to create a more frictionless industry, to tokenize inventory and develop new ways of distribution. TheĀ startup has just raised $10 million and are still planning to announce its first serviceĀ later this year. Well, we are curiousā¦
- Much has been said about how the pandemic changed how we work, and business travel is a big part of this.Ā American ExpressĀ has just published a white paper on the topic:Ā Why Business Travel is the Center of the New Company Culture. My thoughts about it? Nothing replaces in-person meetings.
- TravelzooĀ has announced they areĀ creating a metaverse division in the company. Although they will continue to offer their usual travel and lifestyle deals, the new service will provide members with exclusive metaverse travel experiences.Ā TravelzooĀ counts on the annual membership fees to fund the new business division.
- As Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, visiting the countries neighboring the conflict is something that travelers might still avoid due to its geopolitical tension.Ā Deutsche WelleĀ published an interesting pieceĀ questioning if the war has replaced the pandemic as a vacation constraint in Europe. Oh, just when we thought things were just about to get better post-covidā¦
If you missed our latest reportĀ āCreating places for the new eraā, you can still have access here and through our website.