10 Female Founded Startups to Watch

A sparkle of innovation usually starts with someone asking, What if we did this differently? These 10 female founders and co-founders are doing exactly that.

At FutureTravel, we focus on what’s next: the ideas, businesses, and people shaping the industry’s direction. For International Women’s Day, we’re give the spotlight to women whose work deserves attention. They’re solving big, complex problems or refining how we book, move, and experience travel.

We’re using a few emojis to make this list easy to scan:

  • 🚀 represents the company name and it’s clickable, taking you directly to their website.
  • 👩‍🚀 highlights the female founder (or co-founder) and their name is also clickable, linking to their LinkedIn profile.
  • 📍 shows where the company is based.

This way, you can explore their work, connect with them, and see how they’re shaping the future of travel.

These founders are already contributing to the future of travel. Here are the names you should know.

🚀 Byway
👩‍🚀 Cat Jones
📍 United Kingdom

Byway creates personalized, flight-free holidays across the UK and Europe, helping travelers explore by train, ferry, bus, and bike. Focused on slow travel, their trips prioritize scenic routes, unique stays, and local experiences over speed. Byway’s approach makes sustainable travel easy and enjoyable, steering clear of crowded hotspots while offering seamless, well-planned journeys.

🚀 Daytrip
👩‍🚀👩‍🚀 Valeriia Pshenychna + Marketa Blahova
📍Czech Republic / United Kingdom

Daytrip connects travelers with local, English-speaking drivers for private, door-to-door rides between cities. Instead of just getting from A to B, travelers can stop at interesting places along the way, turning the journey into part of the experience. Operating in over 130 countries, Daytrip makes intercity travel more comfortable and insightful, offering a local’s perspective while ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

🚀 GetYourVisa
👩‍🚀 Carlyn Gabon
📍Germany / Philippines

GetYourVisa simplifies the visa application process, helping travelers secure tourist and business visas for destinations like the U.S., Australia, and Germany. With an easy-to-use web app, applicants can apply, track progress, and improve approval chances in one place. Whether for individuals or companies, GetYourVisa makes navigating visa requirements less stressful, so travel plans aren’t held back by paperwork.

🚀 Holafly
👩‍🚀 Yingyan Hu
📍Ireland

Holafly provides eSIMs that let travelers stay connected in over 220 destinations without needing a physical SIM card or worrying about roaming fees. Their digital SIMs offer instant activation and unlimited data, making it easy to stay online while traveling. Designed for individuals, businesses, and travel agencies, Holafly’s eSIMs are also an eco-friendly alternative, reducing plastic waste while ensuring hassle-free connectivity.

🚀 Kindred
👩‍🚀 Justine Palefsky
📍United States

Kindred is a members-only home-swapping network that lets travelers stay in each other’s homes for free, aside from small service fees. Members earn credits by hosting others, which they can use to book stays in other Kindred homes. Designed for renters and homeowners across North America and Europe, Kindred focuses on trust, community, and affordability—making travel more accessible without the cost of traditional accommodations.

🚀 Landfolk
👩‍🚀👩‍🚀 Camila Swartz + Cathrine K. Reimann
📍Denmark

Landfolk is a holiday home marketplace offering handpicked vacation rentals in nature-rich locations across Europe. Founded by former Airbnb employees, the platform focuses on high-quality, scenic stays away from busy cities. Each home is chosen for its unique charm, great hosts, and immersive surroundings. With direct host contact and all-inclusive pricing, Landfolk makes it easy for travelers to enjoy a peaceful escape in Denmark, Norway, Germany, Sweden, and beyond.

🚀 Love to visit
👩‍🚀👩‍🚀 Alice Aubrey + Georgia Aubrey
📍United Kingdom

Lovetovisit makes it quick and easy to discover and book attractions, events, and experiences across the UK. Founded by twin sisters Georgia and Alice Aubrey, along with tourism expert Fed Pereira, the platform cuts booking times from 18 minutes to under one. With AI-driven recommendations, interactive maps, and exclusive experiences, Lovetovisit helps travelers and locals explore beyond the usual tourist spots, connecting them with unique things to do across the country.

🚀 NaviSavi
👩‍🚀 Sally Bunnell
📍United States

NaviSavi is a video-based travel platform where users can discover, plan, and book trips through short, unedited clips from real travelers. Instead of relying on polished marketing photos, travelers see authentic experiences before they book. Users can also upload videos and earn rewards. Covering over 1,000 destinations in 180+ countries, NaviSavi helps travelers explore with confidence while offering travel brands a library of real user-generated content.

🚀 The Trip Boutique
👩‍🚀 Fernanda Barrence Mutz
📍Switzerland

The Trip Boutique combines AI and human expertise to create personalized travel itineraries tailored to individual interests and lifestyles. Since its founding, the company has evolved alongside technology, refining its approach to smarter, more customized trip planning. Travel brands can also integrate its AI-powered recommendations into their platforms, offering travelers seamless, data-driven suggestions for hotels, restaurants, and experiences.

🚀 wmnsWORK
👩‍🚀 Iris Serbanescu
📍Canada

wmnsWORK is the first global business accelerator designed for women and non-binary entrepreneurs in tourism. While not a travel startup itself, it plays a key role in shaping the industry by supporting early-stage founders through expert-led workshops, mentorship, and community. Focused on tourism businesses like hotels and tour operators, wmnsWORK is tackling the industry’s gender gap and equipping more women to lead and innovate in travel.

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Top 100 Women Leaders & Innovators in Travel

Every day, women are making travel better. They lead teams, design strategies, and shape innovation forward. Their work deserves to be seen and celebrated.

This list brings together the Top 100 Women Leaders & Innovators in Travel making an impact around the world. It’s not about titles or awards, just the people doing great work in the industry.

Check it out and share it <3

Let’s make sure their work gets seen.

Sign up Form – Top 100 Women Download (#8)

5 ways to keep travel costs in check

Managing corporate travel isn’t just about getting from point A to B – it’s about balancing cost efficiency, policy compliance, and traveler satisfaction, all while keeping up with an industry that’s rapidly evolving. Travel budgets are under a microscope, and companies need to make every dollar count. The right tools help manage costs, keep things running smoothly, and improve the travel experience.

1. Saving money in a changing market

Corporate travel budgets are constantly being squeezed, but airfares and hotel rates fluctuate unpredictably. Traditional booking methods often fail to capture the best prices at the right time. Real-time air and hotel re-shopping, like what Emburse offers, ensures companies don’t overspend unnecessarily. By continuously monitoring price changes, organizations can automatically rebook when better rates become available. And without needing manual intervention.

This level of automation means companies can maximize budgets without compromising on quality or traveler convenience. As business travel costs continue to rise, this kind of proactive cost management is becoming a game-changer.

2. Travel policies without the hassle

One of the biggest pain points in corporate travel is ensuring policy compliance without making travelers feel restricted. If booking tools are too rigid, employees will find ways around them, often choosing non-compliant options that make expense tracking and reporting a nightmare for finance teams.

Modern travel management solutions, like Emburse, embed corporate policies directly into the booking experience, subtly guiding travelers toward approved options rather than forcing them into strict rules. This approach reduces policy violations while still allowing employees enough flexibility to book travel in ways that make sense for them.

It cuts down on friction, keeps bookings in one place, and helps everyone follow the travel policy.

3. Keeping travelers safe and informed

From geopolitical instability to extreme weather events, travel risk management is a top priority. Companies need real-time visibility into where their employees are at any given moment, ensuring they can respond swiftly in case of emergencies.

By leveraging real-time tracking and instant alerts, businesses can ensure employees stay informed and supported, no matter where they are. This helps reduce travel disruptions and makes it easier for organizations to meet their duty of care responsibilities.

4. Using data to cut travel costs

Tracking spending, analyzing trends, and negotiating better contracts are crucial to building a successful corporate travel program. Yet many companies still rely on outdated systems that provide little (or none) real-time insights.

Emburse delivers robust analytics that offer a clear view of travel spend patterns, supplier performance, and cost-saving opportunities. Travel managers can use this data to make strategic adjustments, optimize partnerships with airlines and hotels, and forecast future spending with greater accuracy. Data-driven decisions require real-time expense tracking – it’s how you stay ahead.

5. Less admin, more impact

Corporate travel should be simple, not just cost-effective. Outdated workflows and manual expense reports make everything harder than it needs to be.

By automating routine tasks like expense reconciliation and approval workflows, travel managers can shift their focus from administrative tasks to more strategic priorities – like optimizing travel policies, negotiating better rates, and improving the traveler experience. The best travel programs don’t just reduce friction, they remove it entirely.

Thanks to Emburse, we’ve managed to reduce our expenses by 20% and reimburse travelers 70% faster.

Albert Kupfer, EMEA OKI Europe

Corporate travel should be easy to manage, but balancing costs, flexibility, and efficiency isn’t always simple. Companies want to save money, employees need seamless booking, and travel managers rely on automation to keep things running smoothly.

Emburse brings it all together in one place, making travel management easier for everyone.

Want to see it in action?

Get a demo today

Trust issues

At FutureTravel, we’re always thinking about how industries (and society) shape the way we travel. And yes, you’ve heard it before: AI is transforming travel. Better photos, more data, endless recommendations.

But here’s the catch: When everything looks perfect, how do we know what’s real? Will we be able to recognise the small imperfections and emotion that make up human communication and connection?

This is where trust comes in. But who do we trust? That’s the challenge.

Polished photos and glowing reviews won’t cut it anymore. Travelers want honest advice, the kind that comes from people who’ve been there, know the trends, and tell it like it is. AI can churn out endless data, but data alone won’t build trust. A five-star rating or a flawless AI-enhanced image doesn’t mean a hotel is actually a good choice. What travellers really need are insights like: “this hotel has a rooftop pool – but it’s under construction until July” or “this boutique hotel looks charming – but it’s on a noisy street”.

Brutal honesty will be in high demand. And it’s a currency only traded between humans.

Trust matters more than ever, and partnerships will play a big role. When a travel brand teams up with a trusted airline, hotel chain, or platform, it strengthens its own credibility. Travellers remember the brands that keep their promises – and they stick with them.

AI will keep changing how we travel. But trust? That’s human. It comes from real experiences, real accountability, and real connections. And in travel, that’s everything.

Just some thoughts.

Travel is the new love language

Alright, it’s official: Valentine’s Day isn’t just about chocolates and candlelit dinners anymore. Especially not for travel.

People are looking for new ways to mark the occasion: whether it’s a romantic escape, a solo self-care retreat, or a group celebration. And they’re willing to spend.

In 2024, searches for Valentine’s travel jumped by 15% compared to the previous year. And at a time when tourism is booming. According to UN Tourism, global tourism receipts passed $1.5 trillion last year.

For travel brands, this is a golden opportunity. Our research shows that consumers now want trips that feel personal, flexible, and packed with memorable experiences.

Here’s a closer look at what’s going on:

Who is traveling

FutureTravel | The Business of Love, Feb 2025

Some insights to consider from this segmentation:

Where are they going

  • Intra-European demand: 100% increase in short-haul Valentine’s bookings in 2023.
  • Luxury vs. budget-conscious: While high-end hotels saw an increase, 60% of travelers opted for mid-range accommodations.
  • Longer stays: Instead of one-night getaways, more travelers are extending Valentine’s trips into long weekends.

How are they booking

  • Mobile first: About 35% of Valentine’s travel bookings come from mobile devices.
  • Last-minute surge: Half of all bookings happen within three days of Valentine’s Day, thanks to OTA flexibility.
  • Personal touch: Personalized packages and AI-driven suggestions make a difference. They boost engagement and drive more bookings.

Checking out

  • Diversify your audience: It’s not just couples – solo and group travel are on the rise.
  • Mobile and spontaneous: Many travelers book last minute on their phones.
  • Experiences over gifts: Travelers are prioritizing making memories over material gifts.
  • Personalization is king: AI-driven suggestions and tailored packages convert more.

Turns out Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic getaways anymore. People are also taking solo adventures or planning “Galentine’s Day” trips with friends, all in search of experiences that bring them closer to the world – and to each other. They’d rather spend on memorable moments than things, often booking last-minute on their phones, and expecting a smooth, personal experience.

Japan’s Journey to Redefine Tourism

Japan has always been a land of contrasts, where ancient temples stand next to neon-lit arcades and centuries-old traditions blend with cutting-edge innovation. Today, two powerful forces are shaping its future: a booming tourism sector and a bold revival of its semiconductor industry.

It is a unique combination of challenges and opportunities, inviting creativity and innovation to Japan.

Let’s start with tourism. Japan’s tourism industry thrived like never before in 2024. The sector contributed approximately ¥44.6 trillion to the economy, accounting for 7.5% of the nation’s GDP – a 5.7% increase from 2019’s pre-pandemic levels. Employment surged as well, with over six million people working in tourism in 2024, marking a 10% jump from the previous year.

Visitor spending has also soared. In 2024, international tourists spent approximately $51.78 billion, marking a substantial 53% increase from the previous year. The weaker yen has turned Japan into an attractive destination for bargain hunters, but visitors are also rediscovering the country’s rich cultural and lifestyle offerings, making Japan a must-visit destination.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 36.87 million in 2024, hitting a new all-time high. This spike in arrivals has been partially attributed to the yen’s decline.

Meanwhile, Japan is also marking it’s place in the tech world. The government has committed around $25.4 billion to revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry – a big topic in tech right now. Between fiscal 2021 and 2023, Japan allocated 0.71% of its GDP to chip development – proportionally outpacing tech giants like the US and Germany.

And the semiconductor market in Japan is showing strong growth. Sales forecast of semiconductor manufacturing equipment made in Japan for fiscal 2025 to reach a 5% increase from 2024. The Japan semiconductor market size is expected to reach $61.6 Billion by 2033.

This is not just an economic story; it’s creating ripple effects for the travel industry. The influx of tech executives, engineers, and investors is expected to drive business travel, particularly to regions near these new tech hubs.

From the travel industry perspective, this means more than just higher visitor numbers in Tokyo or Kyoto. We can expect an influx of business travelers—from engineers to venture capitalists—heading to Japan to explore these cutting-edge developments. Some may stay longer to see the local sights (hi, bleisure travel), giving us an opportunity to design unique packages that blend tech tours with cultural experiences. And the high-tech wave won’t stop at the factory door. It’s time for us to stay on the lookout for AI-powered translation apps, augmented reality tours, and hotels equipped with next-generation “smart” devices.

Of course, challenges remain. Popular destinations continue to deal with overtourism, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism strategies that balance resident needs with those of visitors. Infrastructure in smaller cities must also keep pace if these areas are to handle increased demand, and local communities will need support to accommodate this wave of new travelers.

Some things worth having in mind when designing your business strategies:

1. Appealing to both audiences: Design offerings that cater to both business travelers and traditional tourists.
2. Exploring new markets: Focus on destinations near semiconductor hubs, turning them into hidden gems for travelers.
3. Adopting new technology: Utilize AI-driven travel apps, IoT-enabled services, and other smart tools to enhance the customer experience.
4. Building partnerships: Collaborate with semiconductor companies or local governments to attract corporate travel clients.
5. Promoting sustainability: Ensure that tourism growth respects Japan’s cultural and natural heritage.

What’s happening in Japan is more than just a surge in visitor numbers or a government investment in semiconductors. It’s a transformation that combines the country’s renowned hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and technological ingenuity. This is a moment to innovate and shape a new era for Japan’s travel experience – an exciting new phase for The Land of the Rising Sun.

5 Ways Fintech is Solving Travel’s Innovation Paradox

“We went to space in 1968, and it wasn’t until 1972 that we put wheels on luggage.” This quote from Sofoklis Limniotis (HBX Group), shared during a panel discussion at the FutureTravel Summit, perfectly captures the paradox of innovation: sometimes the solutions we need are right in front of us, but it takes a shift in perspective to see their potential.

In travel, that spark often comes from fintech. Travel businesses recognise that their future lies not just in offering flights, hotels, or experiences, but in equipping financial technology as an arm of their business. This was the big takeaway from the FutureTravel Summit panel discussion, featuring Caravelo, Travelsoft, HBX Group, and Airwallex. The discussion started with the moderator, Immy Spence, from Airwallex (a fintech), asking how the fintech industry could better serve the travel sector. The answer from the panellists? The travel businesses who embrace existing financial technology solutions to build the next wave of innovative products may very well find themselves leading the way in years to come.

But how do travel businesses begin to bridge the travel-fintech divide?

An obvious place to start, according to the panel, is that payments need to stay connected across the entire booking cycle. From the moment a booking is made to when the service is delivered, seamless integration ensures transparency and trust – something that fintech is uniquely positioned to solve in such a complex, global industry.

Based on insights from the panel discussion, here are 5 ways travel businesses can stay ahead with fintech.

1. Cross-border payments flows fit for travel

Whether it’s paying global hotel/airline chains or local tour guides, collecting customer funds in different currencies, or managing staff expenses abroad, cross-border payments can feel like an endless headache. Delays, hidden fees, and FX risks add unnecessary complexity.

Modern fintech solutions are turning this around, making cross-border payments fast, transparent, and cost-effective. For example, travel businesses can accept and hold funds in multiple currencies, pay international partners at interbank rates, and avoid hefty conversion fees. This is a game-changer for businesses scaling globally, where every dollar saved counts.

2. Efficient FX management

Operating in multiple markets often means juggling different currencies and dealing with the risks of fluctuating exchange rates. Frequent conversions and hidden FX fees can quickly add up, costing businesses valuable resources.

Travel companies can collect, hold, and manage funds in multiple currencies, without needing to open local bank accounts. This makes it possible to pay suppliers or accept payments in their preferred currencies while minimising conversion costs. Imagine a DMC in Asia easily receiving payments in Euros from a European tour operator, holding the funds, and paying local European suppliers in their own currency. Sounds like fintech magic? It’s not – just efficient FX management!

3. Refunds done right

Travel disruptions happen – it’s part of the game. But delayed refunds? That’s a fast track to losing customer trust. The pandemic days showed us how unprepared many businesses were when refund requests came flooding in.

Luckily, automated tools now turn refund processing from a weeks-long nightmare into a same-day solution. By streamlining the process, travel companies can get money back to customers quickly, rebuilding goodwill and safeguarding their reputation when it matters most.

4. Busy trips & workflows

For travel management companies (TMCs) and corporate travel platforms, handling payments for business trips can feel like untangling a giant knot. From tracking expenses to reimbursing employees in different currencies, it’s often a slow and manual grind.

Fintech tools like virtual cards are simplifying corporate travel payments. Businesses can issue cards with spending limits and real-time tracking, making it effortless to manage expenses while staying compliant with company policies. Less time on admin means more time on growth.

5. Making payments safe

Fraudulent transactions and chargebacks cost the travel industry billions every year. As more customers shift to online booking, securing payment systems has become mission-critical.

AI-powered fraud detection tools integrated into fintech platforms spot suspicious transactions in real time, reducing fraud and chargebacks. These tools also protect customer data, building trust and ensuring compliance with global regulations.

As emphasized by the panelists on stage during the FutureTravel Summit, the best travel businesses are no longer just selling flights, rooms, or packages; they’re also becoming financial innovators. From Caravelo’s subscription-based models to fintech-first solutions powered by Airwallex, these businesses are setting a new standard for how things can be done.

The tools and technology are already here. As the HBX Group panelist said, sometimes the solutions are right in front of us; it just takes vision to use them. Imagine fintech as the missing link, helping travel businesses scale globally, simplify complexity, and build trust with customers.

The way money moves in travel is changing, for the better. Think about a travel startup in Berlin working with suppliers in Thailand or a local DMC in Peru catering to European travelers. Fintech is bridging these global gaps, making sure payments are fast, accurate, and transparent, no matter the currency or time zone.

If you are ready to bring fintech into your business strategy, 2025 is the perfect time to start.

mEET AIRWALLEX SOLUTIONS FOR TRAVEL

Travel 2025: What Trends Are Coming?

Travel is changing. AI is making trip planning smarter, sustainable travel is picking up, and people are seeking more personal, meaningful experiences – at every step of their journey, from inspiration to the trip itself. 2025 will keep these trends moving forward.

To close this year, we asked travel leaders what they’re most excited about for the year ahead. From smarter tools to smoother trips and fresh ideas for how we explore the world, here’s what they think will shape the future of travel.

Ready to see what’s next? Let’s jump in!

Two trends I’m most excited about shaping the future of travel are passion-driven and wellness-focused experiences. Passion-driven travel is booming as people seek deeper connections to their interests, from iconic sporting venues to astro-adventures and curated cultural tours. Wellness travel, especially in groups, is also on the rise, blending relaxation with personal growth through yoga and mindfulness retreats—our yoga trips alone have grown 400%. Destinations like Bhutan and Belize are gaining traction for authentic experiences, while the Nordics and New Zealand remain favourites for natural beauty. These shifts signal an increasing desire for travel that supports personal enrichment, balance, and meaningful connections.

Erika de Santi
Co-Founder | WeRoad

AI has transformed chatbots, but by 2025, I believe its focus will shift to advancing real-life hotel experiences through actionable insights. The hospitality industry sits on vast amounts of data, and AI can now distill it instantly to support guest interactions. As a next iteration, I believe we will see AI going beyond insights to creating experiences – like alerting housekeeping about allergies or informing restaurants of a guest’s birthday. The more data the hoteliers capture in the systems, the better and more remarkable travel will become.

Matthijs Welle
CEO | Mews

In 2025, I see social commerce truly coming of age, transforming how people discover and book travel, including organized adventures. Mobile apps, AI, and interest-based discovery — like the kind popularized by TikTok — are converging to create seamless connections between inspiration and action.

With people spending more time on these platforms, the travel industry has an opportunity to meet them where they are. By leveraging AI and first-party data, companies can deliver highly personalized recommendations into their feeds, ensuring the journey from inspiration to booking feels effortless and intuitive.

Travis Pittman
CEO & Co-Founder | TourRadar

Innovation has always driven me — it’s what brought me to UN Tourism six years ago. Since then, I’ve seen the tourism sector thrive through resilience and innovation. What inspires me most is how technology strengthens the human connections at the heart of travel. As we enter the AI era, I’m excited to see entrepreneurs reimagine the sector. AI is not just a trend – it’s a revolution, projected to contribute between $15.7 and $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with generative AI alone adding $2.6 to $4.4 trillion annually. This transformative potential makes AI the future of tourism – and the future of tourism is already here.

Natalia Bayona
Executive Director | UN Tourism

For years, the ‘connected trip’—seamlessly integrating flights with local transport—has felt just out of reach. But I believe 2025 could finally change that, thanks to advances in ground and sea transportation. While planes have long dominated travel innovation, true potential lies in systems for buses, ferries, and trains. New GDS technology now lets platforms like Booking.com and Google integrate these modes effortlessly. At Travelier, we’re helping make this vision a reality, enabling travelers to book flights, buses, and ferries in one seamless transaction. Next year, this vision will scale, bringing the connected trip to life.

Noam Toister
CEO | Travelier

As we enter the new year, artificial intelligence will continue driving personalized and immersive travel experiences. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are also gaining traction, paving the way for greener air travel. Innovations are tackling persistent frustrations, like lost luggage, with solutions from companies like ubloquity. On the ground, systems like Pegasus’ Midas enhance operations with intelligent de-icing, while Nabla’s weather prediction tech helps minimize disruptions. These advancements signal a future of air travel that’s more efficient, customer-focused, and tech-driven than ever.

Nichola Bates
Managing Partner | Aerospace Xelerated
Head of Global Accelerators and Innovation Programs | Boeing

After Covid, we have seen a significant shift in customers’ preferences from buying goods to living experiences which has been extremely favorable to travel. The segment of travel that has benefited the most from this trend has been the one that involves discovering new cultures in remote destinations. This is why we are so bullish at Exoticca as we believe this trend will not only continue, but also accelerate in the coming years as traveling to these destinations becomes more affordable.

Pere Valles
CEO | Exoticca

In 2025, AI will revolutionize travel planning, with 42% of people planning to use it for trip organization, according to a HomeToGo survey. While AI optimizes travel, a seamless, end-to-end AI travel companion is still rare. Next year, I expect travel tech players to step up with holistic AI solutions combining search, booking, and post-trip support. At HomeToGo, we’re leading this shift with Super AI Sunny, our future sidekick designed to guide guests through every aspect of travel planning. We’re excited to push boundaries in 2025 and see how others innovate in this space.

Dr. Patrick Andrae
CEO & Co-Founder | HomeToGo

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Highlights from FutureTravel Summit 2024

The FutureTravel Summit 2024 has wrapped up, leaving us inspired and excited about what’s next for travel. Hosted in Barcelona at the iconic Palo Alto (a very chaming repurposed factory surrounded by greenery), the venue reflected very well our commitment to rethinking what’s possible and embracing fresh perspectives in the travel industry.

On stage, we saw great keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and an amazing pitch competition featuring top travel startups from around the globe. The goal was to bring together brilliant minds driving innovation in travel – and we’re proud of what we delivered. Beyond the stage, the gardens and open spaces came alive with conversations, insights and new connections, creating the perfect blend of inspiration and networking opportunities.

A big thank you to our sponsors, media partners, and partners. Your support helped make this year’s event unique – whether through thoughtful contributions, engaging activities, or simply being part of this journey.

Highlighting future industry leaders

In addition to highlighting the groundbreaking innovations and trends shaping the future of the travel industry, we also showcased emerging talents and entrepreneurs driving the sector forward. One of the event’s key moments was the Pitch Competition, where 8 finalists (selected from over 260 applicants) presented their exciting business ideas on stage.

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the winner of the FutureTravel Summit Pitch Competition 2024 is… Belli!

Ana Metz (Founder and Editor, FutureTravel) and Jeff Pan (Founder, Belli)

Crowned as this year’s pitch competition winner and scoring an impressive grand prize, Belli is transforming how airlines manage air cargo operations. You can read more about it here.

Belli’s victory comes with an exceptional prize package worth €330k, which includes: Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, including 1 year of free Google Workspace for new signups in the Startup Program; €9.9k in credits for an explainer video maker account of simpleshow; €2.2k in 1 year Guru Plan for SEMrush which gives access to their SEO and online visibility management SaaS platform; €2k worth Exhibition Booth at the EU-Startups Summit 2025 including 3 event tickets; and a mention in the FutureTravel Newsletter and dedicated features on EU-Startups.com, amplifying the winner’s visibility across key industry audiences.

Thank you to our sponsors

The FutureTravel Summit was possible thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors:

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With their proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more.

Travel powers progress. Amadeus powers travel. Amadeus’ solutions connect travelers to the journeys they want through travel agents, search engines, tour operators, airlines, airports, hotels, cars and railways. Amadeus helps connect over 1.6 billion people a year to local travel providers in over 190 countries. They are a company with a global mindset and a local presence wherever their customers need them. Their purpose is to shape the future of travel. They are passionate in their pursuit of better technology that makes better journeys.

Emburse provides innovative travel and expense management solutions trusted by over 12 million professionals worldwide. Serving 20,000 organizations in 120 countries, we help Global 2000 companies, SMBs, public agencies, and nonprofits streamline travel planning, booking, and expense management. Our automated, mobile-first solutions eliminate manual processes, saving time, enhancing financial visibility, and improving spend control and compliance. This enables organizations to optimize business travel, empowering their teams to focus on delivering meaningful value.

Scalapay is revolutionizing the travel industry with its innovative Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions. As a leading player in Southern Europe, Scalapay empowers travelers to book experiences, trips, and accommodations with flexible payment options, driving higher conversion rates for travel brands. Their seamless integration allows partners to offer a stress-free way for customers to enjoy travel today and pay over time, enhancing both customer satisfaction and business growth. Scalapay’s community of 7 millions users is a precious opportunity for every travel company to meet their target audiences!

Check out the photos from the event – maybe you’ll spot yourself! Enjoy, and we can’t wait to see you next year!

Meet Belli: The winner of the FutureTravel Summit 2024 Pitch Competition!

The FutureTravel Summit 2024, held on November 28th in Barcelona, was a spectacular gathering of innovation in the travel and hospitality sector.

With over 400 attendees, 20+ speakers, and a dynamic lineup of activities, the event once again lived up to its reputation as the premiere stage for exploring the latest trends and innovation in the travel sector.

Startups, innovators, investors, and executives came together to discuss the future of travel and spotlight the brightest minds driving change in the industry.

At the heart of this year’s summit was the FutureTravel Pitch Competition, a showcase of 8 startups chosen to present their visions for transforming the travel industry. After consideration by the judging panel, Belli, a next-generation air cargo software for airlines, was announced as the winner.

Finding the world’s hottest travel startup

The pitch competition provides startups with an opportunity to showcase their ideas in front of an engaged audience and judges. This year’s finalists represented a wide range of sectors within travel, from sustainability and hospitality to logistics and automation. The competition exemplified the summit’s core mission: to spotlight those actively shaping the industry’s future.

While Belli won out, the other finalists also deserve recognition for their creativity and passion. The FutureTravel Summit is proud to provide a platform for these startups to share their ideas and connect with the people who can help turn their visions into reality.

  • Boatscribe: Founded in 2023, Boatscribe is a yacht rental comparison platform based in Ukraine and Greece. The platform allows travelers to compare and choose verified yacht charter offers from multiple websites in real time, saving time and money. Boatscribe provides transparent descriptions, availability, and final prices without hidden fees, directing customers to the official charter company websites for booking.

  • GetYourVisa: Based in Germany and the Philippines, GetYourVisa simplifies global visa applications powered by AI for a stress-free visa experience. The app simplifies the process by avoiding confusing government websites, automating document extraction, pre-filling forms, and pre-verifying applications to boost approval rates. It also saves visa information for future use and generates essential travel documents.

  • Hands In: Established in London, Hands In is a payment solution that seamlessly splits transactions across multiple cards and multiple people, overcoming credit limits. Perfect for long-haul flights, pricey tickets, and group holidays, it reduces payment declines, enhances booking and improves the customer experience.

  • Holiwise: A London-based project founded in 2024, Holiwise streamlines group trips using AI and machine learning. It offers personalized itineraries based on your budget and preferences, with custom recommendations and real-time collaboration tools. Groups can explore destinations, flights, accommodations and activities, all with booking details in one place.

  • Inspirational Adventures: Settled in the UK since 2021, Inspirational Adventures enhances travel for both travelers and tour operators. It’s an all-in-one marketplace, optimised for all devices, that helps travelers plan and discover adventures while boosting tour operator conversions with secure, reviewed options. Travelers can follow guides and build their bucket lists confidently.

  • SwiftON: From Spain, SwiftON is an innovative and smart IoT device designed to encourage water conservation by promoting shorter showers in hotels and other tourist accommodations. Using AI and machine learning, SwiftON offers smart solutions, like gamified challenges to optimize water use and delivers real-time data to hotel managers through dashboards.

  • TRAPI: Set up in 2024 in the UK, TRAPI simplifies tech complexities by offering a connected travel ecosystem that enhances user experiences. TRAPI is an AI-powered marketplace that enables travel sellers to integrate with travel-related APIs in under an hour, at a fraction of the cost, enhancing the user experience for their customers.

The jury and the prize

The FutureTravel Summit 2024 Pitch Competition brought together a prominent panel of judges, each representing years of experience in fostering innovation and scaling startups in the travel and hospitality sectors. These experts evaluated the pitches with a focus on innovation, market potential, and industry impact.

Meet the judges:

The winner of the FutureTravel Pitch Competition didn’t just receive recognition; they were awarded a robust prize package. Valued at €330k, the package includes:

  • Google Cloud Credits: Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, including 1 year of free Google Workspace for new signups in the Startup Program, fast-tracked support from a dedicated Startup Success Manager at Google, technical support, and co-marketing.

  • Simpleshow Enterprise License: €9.9k in credits for an explainer video maker account of simpleshow. This enterprise license corresponds to 1 year and includes up to 5 users, and it contains all customization features and access to all the assets on the platform.

  • EU-Startups Summit 2025 Booth: €2k worth Exhibition Booth at the EU-Startups Summit 2025 including 3 event tickets.

  • SEMrush Guru Plan: €2.2k in 1 year Guru Plan for SEMrush which gives you access to their SEO and online visibility management SaaS platform.

  • Media Exposure: A mention in the FutureTravel Newsletter and dedicated features on EU-Startups.com, amplifying the winner’s visibility across key industry audiences.

About the winner

Headquartered in Singapore and Spain, Belli aims to revolutionise the air cargo industry. Designed to digitise and automate airlines’ air cargo operations, Belli’s software offers an alternative to traditional manual workflows and outdated systems like spreadsheets. By optimising cargo management processes, Belli enables airlines to increase revenue, improve efficiency, and focus on strategic growth. Jeff Pan, pictured above, is the Co-founder and CEO. Formerly the Chief Product Officer for AirAsia Cargo, he has also worked on aviation logistics platforms for SpaceX, consulted for airlines with McKinsey & Company, and built API connectivity for Booking.com. Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his history of founding and selling three startups.

Beyond the Pitch Competition

In addition to the pitch competition, the summit featured engaging panel discussions, thought-provoking keynote speeches, and ample networking opportunities. Topics ranged from sustainable tourism and the role of AI in travel to strategies for adapting to post-pandemic shifts in consumer behaviour.

Once again, congratulations to Belli, the winner of this year’s pitch competition, and thank you to all the participants and attendees who made the summit a resounding success.

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With their proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more.

Amadeus’ solutions connect travellers to the journeys they want through travel agents, search engines, tour operators, airlines, airports, hotels, cars and railways. Amadeus helps connect over 1.6 billion people a year to local travel providers in over 190 countries. They are a company with a global mindset and a local presence wherever their customers need them. Their purpose is to shape the future of travel. They are passionate in their pursuit of better technology that makes better journeys.

Emburse provides innovative travel and expense management solutions trusted by over 12 million professionals worldwide. Serving 20,000 organizations in 120 countries, we help Global 2000 companies, SMBs, public agencies, and nonprofits streamline travel planning, booking, and expense management. Our automated, mobile-first solutions eliminate manual processes, saving time, enhancing financial visibility, and improving spend control and compliance. This enables organizations to optimise business travel, empowering their teams to focus on delivering meaningful value.

Scalapay is revolutionizing the travel industry with its innovative Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions. As a leading player in Southern Europe, Scalapay empowers travelers to book experiences, trips, and accommodations with flexible payment options, driving higher conversion rates for travel brands. Their seamless integration allows partners to offer a stress-free way for customers to enjoy travel today and pay over time, enhancing both customer satisfaction and business growth. Scalapay’s community of 7 millions users is a precious opportunity for every travel company to meet their target audiences.

Welcoming Iñaki Uriz, CEO of Caravelo, to FutureTravel Summit 2024

We’re pleased to welcome Iñaki Uriz, CEO and Co-founder of Caravelo, to the FutureTravel Summit 2024!

Guided by his belief in the power of customer lifetime value, Iñaki co-founded Caravelo to reshape the travel industry through innovative flight subscription models. Caravelo’s innovative approach lets airlines connect with customers in a fresh way, creating loyalty and boosting recurring revenue. With their solutions already in action across multiple markets, Caravelo is helping airlines turn one-time flyers into loyal fans.

With a decade in travel tech, Iñaki has grown Caravelo into a trusted name, backed by renown investors. Caravelo’s solutions help airlines increase revenue, enhance the customer experience, and navigate seasonal fluctuations.

At the FutureTravel Summit, Iñaki will be part of the panel, Simplifying Borderless Payments: The Fintech Effect on Travel, powered by Airwallex, where he’ll share insights on how Caravelo’s subscription models are transforming airline revenue and customer loyalty. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Iñaki and connect with over 450 industry innovators who are shaping the future of travel. Secure your ticket today!

Sofoklis Limniotis of HBX Group Joins FutureTravel Summit 2024 Speaker Lineup

We’re excited to share that Sofoklis Limniotis, Director of Pay Out at HBX Group, will be joining us as a speaker at the FutureTravel Summit 2024!

Sofoklis is a seasoned expert in digital transformation and payment technologies within the tourism and accommodation sectors, specializing in electronic payment solutions and B2B automation. With over 10 years at Hotelbeds in roles like Head of Digital Payments & E-Platforms and Head of Payments solutions, and now as Product Fintech Director Pay Out at HBX Group, he’s managed complex transaction ecosystems that connect accommodation providers and agencies across more than 100 countries.

Known for his technical expertise and collaborative approach, Sofoklis has a knack for building high-performance teams and advocating for digital payments that enhance efficiency and security. His commitment to innovation and alignment of market needs positions him as a key figure in advancing secure, streamlined payment systems.

Join us at the FutureTravel Summit to hear Sofoklis Limniotis’s insights on how digital transformation is reshaping payment solutions in the tourism sector. Don’t miss the chance to connect with over 450 travel executives, startups, investors, and corporates driving change in the travel industry. Secure your ticket today!

Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, Joins FutureTravel Summit 2024 Panel

We can’t wait to welcome Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, to the FutureTravel Summit 2024 speaker lineup!

With 20 years of executive leadership experience, Tomasz brings deep expertise in steering complex business transformations within high-growth environments. As the CEO of AirHelp, the world’s largest air passenger rights company, he empowers millions of travelers to claim compensation for flight disruptions. Under his leadership, AirHelp has set new standards in the travel industry, becoming a global advocate for passenger rights.

At the summit, Tomasz will join the panel “How Can Europe Lead the Way in Travel Innovation?” where he’ll discuss the opportunities and challenges of driving innovation in the European travel sector. Expect insights on how Europe can foster a more dynamic, resilient travel industry through cutting-edge solutions and forward-thinking strategies.

Tomasz’s background includes leading multinational teams through major reorganization and change, managing multi-million-dollar projects in areas ranging from supply chain transformations to pioneering sales and marketing initiatives. He combines rigorous academic expertise with hands-on experience in creating impactful change.

Join us at the FutureTravel Summit to gain insights from Tomasz Pawliszyn’s journey and expertise in the travel tech sector. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with over 450 travel executives, startups, investors, and corporates who are shaping the future of travel. Secure your ticket today!

Charles Tandonnet from Travelsoft Group to Speak at FutureTravel Summit 2024

We’re excited to announce that Charles Tandonnet, VP of the Growth Program at Travelsoft, which includes Atcore, Travel Compositor, and Travel Connection Technology, will join us as a panelist at FutureTravel Summit 2024.

As VP Growth Program, Charles leads Travelsoft Group’s strategy for expansion and synergy across its impressive portfolio of travel tech platforms. Operating in over 90 countries, Travelsoft’s brands – including Orchestra, Traffics, and TravelgateX – power around €35 billion in travel bookings annually, creating seamless connectivity and efficiency for the travel industry.

At the event, Charles will bring his expertise to the panel discussion “Simplifying Borderless Payments: The Fintech Effect on Travel” where panelists will dive into the impact of fintech in driving the travel industry forward.

Join us at the FutureTravel Summit to hear from Charles Tandonnet and connect with over 450 travel executives, startups, investors, and corporates shaping the future of travel. Secure your ticket today and be part of the conversation!

Immy Spence from Airwallex Set to Speak at FutureTravel Summit 2024!

We’re excited to announce that Immy Spence, Head of Sales, SME & Growth, EMEA at Airwallex, will be joining us on stage at the FutureTravel Summit 2024!

Airwallex is a global leader in payments and financial technology, supporting over 100,000 businesses across more than 100 countries. By offering trusted solutions for global payments, treasury, and spend management, Airwallex empowers brands like Brex, Canva, and Qantas to grow seamlessly across borders.

As Head of Sales for SME & Growth in EMEA, Immy leads strategies to help businesses expand globally. His background includes senior roles at Microsoft and Stripe, where he built the UK/IE team to enable startups and enterprises to scale.

At the FutureTravel Summit, Immy will moderate the panel “Simplifying Borderless Payments: The Fintech Effect on Travel,” where he’ll bring his expertise on fintech’s effect in the travel industry. Don’t miss the chance to hear from Immy and connect with over 450 travel executives, startups, investors, and corporates shaping the future of travel. Secure your ticket today!

Introducing David Armstrong, CEO and Co-founder of HolidayPirates, at FutureTravel Summit 2024

We’re excited to announce that David Armstrong, CEO and Co-founder of HolidayPirates Group, will be joining us as a speaker at the FutureTravel Summit 2024!

Founded in 2011, HolidayPirates quickly scaled to become Europe’s largest travel brand on social media. Today, it operates across 10 countries, delivering the best holiday deals to millions of travelers – from flights and hotels to car rentals and complete vacation packages.

At the FutureTravel Summit, David will deliver a keynote titled “Building a Brand That Moves Millions: Insights from HolidayPirates’ Story,” where he’ll dive into the brand’s remarkable journey and share key lessons on scaling and connecting with audiences on a massive scale.

With over 20 years of experience in international C-level roles across the travel sector, David has demonstrated a unique ability to scale businesses, pivot for growth, and lead transformative change. Under his leadership, HolidayPirates has become a multi-award-winning platform that fuels wanderlust and helps travelers explore the world with inspiring and valuable content.

Join us at the FutureTravel Summit to hear David Armstrong’s insights on how HolidayPirates continues to innovate in the online travel space. With over 450 travel executives, startups, investors, and corporates attending, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with those shaping the future of travel. Secure your ticket today!