Startup Helps Earn Free Vacations

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Let’s catch up on this week’s top innovations, trends, and startup highlights:

  • Flight + Hotel packages… plus tours. Lastminute.com has partnered with TUI Musement to offer tours and activities as add-ons to flight-plus-hotel packages in over 100 countries. While this partnership boosts TUI Musement’s distribution, for Lastminute.com it means offering more dynamic holiday packages for its customers.
  • Turning rewards into free vacation. Singapore-based loyalty platform Heymax.ai just raised $2.6 million in seed funding. The platform helps users to make the most of their credit card and merchant rewards, aiming to give people a free vacation each year. Currently counting on 50,000 users, they’ve already redeemed over 10,000 flights – and counting.
  • DIY ski holiday packages. Bristol-based Heidi has raised €6.6 million to grow its platform and expand its services. Founded in 2018, this online ski travel company offers over 6,000 accommodations in 400+ ski resorts, making it easy to book group holidays, lift passes, and ski hire. With this investment, Heidi aims to bring more flexible and comprehensive booking options to travelers hitting the slopes.
  • Cutting out the middlemen. Directo, a Spanish startup making direct hotel bookings easier, raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. Launched in February 2023, the startup offers a Chrome extension that flags direct booking options on sites like Booking.com and Airbnb. It cuts out the middlemen and can help travelers save money and boosts direct sales for hosts – a potential shake up for the sector…
  • Dynamic solutions for airline pricing. FlyNava Technologies has secured $2.5 million in pre-series A funding from Ideaspring Capital. FlyNava uses AI to provide real-time, dynamic pricing to airlines, helping them optimize fares and increase efficiency and profits. This funding will help the startup to expand into new markets, develop new products, and enhance their tech infrastructure, aiming to offer tailored solutions to improve airline operations.

AI Digital Guided Tours are Here

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Here’s your weekly roundup of the latest trends, innovations, and startup news in travel:

  • From paper maps to digital guidebooks. The Finnish startup Reveel raised 650k in pre-seed round. Their platform turns paper maps into digital guides accessible via smartphones, aiming to revolutionize visitor experiences globally. The platform uses AI to provide multilingual content and digital guided tours, offering destinations a hassle-free solution to enhance visitor experiences. Reveel aims to address the outdated on-site experience by providing a generalized platform solution for destinations worldwide.
  • Less Chinese tourists in Europe in 2024. If you’re in Europe, you might see fewer Chinese tourists around this year. That’s what the latest survey from the European Travel Commission suggests. It looks like some European hotspots might need to go a bit smart & creative and to attract those Chinese travelers. One big reason for the drop of interest? Seems like more and more Chinese tourists are planning to stick closer to home for their travels, especially with several Southeast Asian destinations relaxing their visa policies.
  • New fund betting on travel startups. TravelTech.vc has just launched its second VC fund, dedicated to spotting the most innovative travel tech startups in Europe. Led by industry veterans from Booking.com, Expedia, Google, and Meta, they’re on a mission to support innovation in three key areas: client-focused tech, immature technologies, and efficiency gains. With a substantial €50 million fund, they’re ready to invest in the next generation of travel tech. Great to see this gaining traction in Europe.
  • Everything Taylor Swift – even travel. Remember when I mentioned last week that I’m not exactly a Taylor Swift expert? Well, that’s why I’m glad that Skift dug up some data and insights about all things Taylor Swift lately. It’s great to get a North American perspective on what she’s all about, especially with the Super Bowl weekend around the corner – seems like it’s the perfect timing. And just in case you’re wondering, yes, her influence stretches even into the travel world.
  • Not your usual travel partner. February has been active with new collaborations between Netflix and the travel industry. First up, they’ve teamed up with the French government’s Atout France to draw tourists to France. Plus, Expedia Group is Netflix’s inaugural global partner in its ad-supported plan, launching a campaign dubbed “Made to Travel” to spotlight select destinations. I always enjoy seeing different industries coming together to make the most of travel.

Keeping up with Travellers Preferences

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Here is your weekly curation of the top news in innovations, trends and startups shaping the travel industry:

  • Before and After. I really enjoyed this article from Crunchbase that analyses the evolving landscape of travel startups, comparing times before and after COVID-19. Despite the pandemic’s slowdown (and in some cases, a full stop), recent investments hint at a potential rebound. As major players like TravelPerk and Klook recently secured substantial funding, this indicates a renewed sense of optimism among investors. As business trips and vacations start up again, seems like the travel industry is on the rise – we can’t wait to see what unfolds!
  • Still the season for trend reports. If you like a good collection of insights, you’ll enjoy this report from The Points Guy. It shows changing traveler preferences, focusing on a shift towards experiential travel and destination-based tourism. Despite challenges like climate change and overtourism, the report shows continued growth in travel volume. It covers various topics such as top destinations, technology advancements, and developments in the cruise, hotel, airline, credit card, and loyalty program sectors. Nice one!
  • Glamping made in Spain. Spanish startup Kampaoh, specializing in glamping, saw remarkable growth in 2023. From its founding in 2016, revenue surged from €45k to €23 million within seven years, driven by expansion into new European markets. Offering sustainable handmade tents, Kampaoh aims to further expand, targeting 100 campsites. Presently in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal, the company plans to elevate the camping experience and explore new destinations like the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.
  • Mews Acquisition, chapter 8. Mews is expanding its portfolio of hotel solutions with the acquisition of San Francisco-based Frontdesk Anywhere, a cloud management software provider for independent hotels and management groups. This marks Mews’ eighth acquisition, strengthening its presence in North America and aligning with their commitment to innovate and enhance hotel tech globally, following significant growth and investment in recent years.
  • Smart luggage transport. Changi Airport is partnering with Aurrigo to test an autonomous baggage handling vehicle. Like a smart cart that moves luggage without needing a driver, this vehicle is designed to streamline aircraft turnaround times by enhancing maneuverability and auto-loading capabilities. Changi’s interest in exploring new technologies, like electric and autonomous operation of vehicles, marks a shift towards innovative airside automation that raises industry standards and improves airport operations’ efficiency.
  • Collaborative booking experience. Jerusalem-based startup Joyned secures $8M in Series A funding, backed by four VCs. Its AI-based social revenue platform boosts travel sites’ performance by offering personalized deals, increasing conversion rates by fourfold and booking values by 25%. With partnerships with giants like Amadeus and OYO, Joyned aims to transform the $4.6 trillion hospitality industry by improving collaborative booking experiences and boosting engagement.
  • The new normal? Amadeus acquired Vision-Box, a biometrics leader, to help make travel more seamless for passengers. This will let Amadeus provide a complete experience from booking to arriving at the airport, including border control and boarding – offering passengers a seamless journey and making travel more convenient. This aims to make things easier, saving time, and better allocating resources – good for travelers and travel professionals. Earlier this month we talked about Portuguese airports implementing the technology.
  • If you were alive in 2023, you probably heard of Taylor Swift. At this point some say she has a Midas touch and she even had an impact on travel. Now American Airlines sure knew how to ride that wave with some savvy marketing. They got it right and got the fans buzzing. Now, while I’m no Taylor Swift expert (or pop culture guru, for that matter), I do appreciate a clever marketing move that doesn’t break the bank.

More Funding, More Growth

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I wanted to share 3 important news from this week:

  • Flying unicorns. Spanish unicorn TravelPerk secured €95 million in funding led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with existing investors Kinnevik and Felix Capital. This will enhance the platform with new inventory capabilities and AI-driven automation. In 2023, TravelPerk saw over 70% revenue growth and approached $2 billion in annual booking volumes. Fun fact: TravelPerk was one of the first supporters of our FutureTravel project, so we’re excited to see their success. Looking forward to see what the future holds for them.
  • Automated hotel chats. Earlier this month, Runnr.ai, a startup that focuses on conversational guest engagement, successfully raised €1 million in funding. You may remember them as one of the finalists at our FutureTravel Pitch Competition last November. Their innovative solution automates hotel guest communication by utilizing generative AI and providing automated responses through WhatsApp. This let them reduce the workload on hotel staff while simultaneously driving revenue through upselling opportunities. As a result, more than 100 hotels are currently benefiting from increased customer satisfaction and significant cost savings. With the recently secured funding, Runnr.ai plans to expand its operations throughout Europe, aiming to address staff shortages and further enhance overall guest satisfaction.
  • Private drive around. Global travel platform Daytrip has secured €9.2 million in funding. With this investment, they will enhance its platform, expand its services to additional countries, and establish strategic partnerships. Founded in 2015, Daytrip offers private car transfers with English-speaking drivers. They also provide the option for travelers to make sightseeing stops during their journey, adding to the enjoyment of their travel experience. With a network of over 7,000 drivers, Daytrip has already facilitated more than 850,000 trips.

Booking Flights with Experiences

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Here’s your weekly roundup of the latest trends, innovations, and startup news in travel:

  • Book your flight, and your experience. EasyJet has announced a partnership with Musement, the experiences division of TUI Group, to let their customers add experiences in numerous destinations. While the offerings are exclusive to customers booking directly with easyJet and easyJet holidays, the partnership expands Musement’s portfolio for all easyJet customers. This partnership is part of TUI’s plan to expand tours and activities, and it’s a sign of things moving forward.
  • Your watch, your flight info. Aiming to make the entire journey predictable and easy for passengers, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has created an app for Apple Watch that uses AI to give travelers up-to-date information about their flights. The app tells users when their flight is leaving or arriving, which gate to go to, and provides status updates. By using AI and motion sensors, the airport aims to make the process of departing, transferring, and arriving more clear for passengers. The airport wants to make traveling less stressful and has made a big investment in digital tools, with over 1.6 million people downloading its app in the past year.
  • Et voilà, here is your package. In France, train passengers have the opportunity to earn money by delivering packages during their travels, thanks to WePost, a local startup. This service allows passengers to sign up online, share their train details, and choose to carry a package. WePost, accessible in key French train stations, aims to promote train travel, offer cost-effective solutions, and support eco-friendly delivery. With 25,000 users, over 30 e-commerce partners, and more than 20 relay points across France, WePost has plans to grow its community and forge partnerships, including potential collaboration with SNCF Connect.
  • Touchless Takeoff. Lisbon and Porto Airports have introduced the “Biometric Experience”, together with Vision-Box. The program, starting with TAP Air Portugal flights, uses biometrics to automate the traveler’s journey, making it easier and contactless. Vision-Box’s Seamless Journey Platform orchestrates the biometric process, making it more efficient and optimizing infrastructure. The goal is to provide a faster, safer, and private travel experience, demonstrating Portugal’s dedication to innovation and streamlined processes at its airports. In the future, the program will include more airlines and destinations, creating a more interconnected and efficient travel network. 
  • One week, two deals. Katanox has expanded its partnerships this week, first teaming up with Guestline for seamless property distribution. This collaboration allows Guestline users to easily connect with Katanox, fostering direct relationships with travel buyers. Additionally, Katanox partnered with travel management company Lanes & Planes, using its distribution capabilities to enhance revenue and efficiency. Lanes & Planes benefits from Katanox’s features, like commission reconciliation, strengthening its position in the hospitality industry. Together, these collaborations mark Katanox’s efforts to provide enhanced opportunities and efficiency for both accommodation providers and travel management companies. 

Music Exploration and Influence on Travel

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Here is this week’s curation of the main news on innovation, trends, and startups from the travel industry:

  • Tech solutions for guest delight. Dubai-based Lokalee, an AI-powered hotel content platform, successfully raised $5.6 million in pre-Series A funding. This investment, with contributions from strategic investors, will fuel Lokalee’s rapid product development and expansion into European markets. Currently serving 250 hotels, Lokalee enhances guest experiences through AI, simplifies operations, and increases revenue. Its customizable platform allows guests to seamlessly browse and book various services. Lokalee’s future plans include the launch of a trip planner, combining AI technology with curated human data for an optimal guest journey experience.
  • “Music has a powerful way of uniting people”. In the line of collaborations that are not obvious – but that make me smile. Delta and Spotify have joined forces to bring passengers a unique entertainment experience. The partnership has resulted in the release of “The Passport Sessions,” a docuseries that explores the influence of music on different cultures. This is an exclusive content and is available on Delta’s in-flight entertainment, enhancing the passenger experience through cultural connections. Very nice to give travelers more than just a flight; but to also make travel a fun celebration of music, cultures, and things we all enjoy
  • Leading short-term rental data provider AirDNA has acquired vacation rental software and channel management system Uplisting. Uplisting is renowned for its powerful property management tools and synchronization capabilities across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. The acquisition enhances AirDNA’s market insights and marks AirDNA’s second acquisition within six months, reinforcing its dynamic expansion.
  • Better together? European micromobility companies Tier and Dott are merging to combine their operations and strengthen their position in the industry. This move comes as many scooter and e-bike companies have been struggling financially. The merger involves reshuffling leadership, with Dott’s CEO becoming the CEO of the new entity. Despite raising an additional €60 million in funding led by Mubadala Capital and Sofina, the total valuation is likely lower than previous funding rounds. The combined company aims to generate over €200 million in revenue. Both Tier and Dott’s services will continue to be available in their markets.
  • Megatrends, for you and for me. Is that time of the year where Skift publishes what they expect to be the main trends in travel for the coming year. This is a must read for anyone working in the industry and interested in tracking innovation and strategic developments.

In Spain, getting a Visa just got Easier

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Let’s dive into our weekly news curation, where we bring you the most exciting updates shaping the future of travel:

  • Making hotel tech stronger. Dutch hotel tech firm RoomRaccoon has made its debut acquisition, acquiring Dublin-based iHotelligence to strengthen its position in the Irish market. RoomRaccoon, a cloud-based hotel management system, seeks to expand its capabilities by integrating iHotelligence’s suite of software products for on-site property management, booking, and channel management. The move is part of RoomRaccoon’s strategy to attract a larger customer base in Ireland and establish itself as a leading player in the market. 
  • Visa shouldn’t be a hassle. Spanish startup Visagov simplifies the visa process with their AI platform. Established in 2021, they handle tourist and business visas for 70+ countries, boasting a 99.7% success rate and 600k+ visas processed. Visagov partners with travel agencies, airlines, and tour operators to provide hassle-free visa services, streamlining the visa application process for their customers. Getting a visa is easy: choose your destination, complete a quick 5-min
  • Fantasy with a pinch of Nostalgia. One of my favorite news from the past weeks, mixes amusement park and art history. Drake’s firm DreamCrew bought Luna Luna, a fantastical, forgotten amusement park that opened in Germany in 1987. Imagine going on a Keith Harring carousel, or riding a Jean-Michel Basquiat ferris wheel, around some fantastic Salvador Dalí elements. Featuring surreal and vibrant creations the entire collection was in shipping containers near Dallas and is now set for a revival in Los Angeles. The immersive exhibition, “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,” will run through spring 2024.
  • Plan and pay for travel. French mobility startup Lyko has recently secured €1.4 million in funding. This is pivotal for Lyko’s ambitions in travel tech, facilitating seamless planning, booking, and payment for various public and private transportation globally. With a focus on international expansion, R&D investment, and tech talent recruitment, the funding marks a significant milestone. The investment underscores the growing importance of advanced mobility solutions, especially in the evolving landscape of global travel, enhancing convenience and accessibility for users.
  • The value of extended stays. Based in Spain, a Dutch startup is changing the game for digital nomads, remote workers, and adventure travelers by offering an innovative solution to booking extended stays in hotels worldwide. Frustrated with the increasing dissatisfaction of customers using private rentals (which used to be enjoyable and economical but are now plagued with scams and quality problems), Yovivo provides a solution that benefits both travelers and hotels. By facilitating the increasing demand for extended stays, hotels can stabilize their revenue, especially in seasonal properties, and contribute to the local community by providing employment opportunities for residents and attracting customers to neighborhood businesses throughout the year. After a successful seed funding round, Yovivo is now live and accepting bookings for both short and extended stays.
  • Blueprint for Future Hotel Excellence. Cloud hotel property management systems provider Stayntouch has secured a significant $48 million in growth equity investment. The funding will fuel the expansion of Stayntouch’s PMS software and payment solutions, accelerate customer acquisition, and enhance services for global hotels. Stayntouch offers a complete platform that handles reservations, payments, and chain management, all designed to tackle the challenges faced by the hospitality industry. This investment is crucial for advancing technology in the travel sector, allowing Stayntouch to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hotel management and improving overall customer experiences in the industry.

One Country does not Want to Party

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This edition is arriving just in time for your weekly roundup of the travel industry’s top news, trends, and startup stories:

  • Quick booking, tech boost. A travel discovery platform, supported by leaders such as the founders of Booking.com and Skyscanner, alongside Paris Hilton, has recently disclosed a €3 million investment. Layla is reshaping trip planning through the use of AI and concise travel videos. Their Instagram Travel Planner merges social media inspiration with swift booking, promising an improved user experience by seamlessly connecting social media, planning, and booking.
  • Eco-friendly travel is their goal. Danish startup BeCause has raised €1.75M in seed funding to boost its mission of revolutionizing sustainability in the travel and tourism industries. BeCause’s system makes it easier for companies like Booking.com and Google to handle sustainability data. This funding, amid a challenging startup climate, underscores the pressing need for sustainable solutions. Apart from addressing environmental impact, BeCause’s also enhances transparency, reshaping the travel industry to be more green and responsible.
  • Accelerate your payment operations with ease. You can level up your payment operations with our latest report, made in collaboration with Airwallex. We unfold five key aspects of payments, offering easy solutions to elevate how you manage money. Discover how industry leaders are effortlessly streamlining supplier payments and reconciling transactions. It’s an easy read, packed with great ideas to make your payment operations smoother in 2024. Ready? Download it now.
  • Guiding fresh travel concepts. Italian travel company WeRoad recently secured €18 million in funding, bringing the total to €36 million. Blending local experiences and fostering social connections on group adventures, WeRoad primarily caters to millennials. What sets them apart is that, instead of traditional guides, passionate fellow travelers take the lead. The funds will support their growth, enhance technology, and strengthen their presence in Europe, with global expansion plans.
  • Rethinking Amsterdam. Back in March, Amsterdam launched a campaign named ‘Stay Away’ with a simple goal: keeping the party-goers away. Surprise – it didn’t quite hit the mark. Fast forward, and now they’re gearing up for a fresh attempt, with a new campaign. This article offers insight into Amsterdam’s efforts to redefine its image and the impact a city brand can have. It’s captivating to witness the city’s attempts to rewrite the narrative, actively sharing its story as a destination, and providing clarity for tourists in the process.
  • When fintech broadens travel possibilities. In another interesting development at the intersection of fintech and travel, Klarna has teamed up with Cathay Pacific, allowing users to leverage its intelligent payment options when booking flights. Using Klarna, Cathay Pacific customers can divide their payment into three parts at no additional cost or opt for financing lasting 6 to 24 months. This partnership highlights Klarna’s venture into travel, providing an alternative to credit cards for the substantial $1 trillion spent globally on flights each year. It makes me think: How much can travel grow with the help of these fintech solutions?

No Need to Lug your Luggage, Leave it

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Let’s dive into our weekly news curation, where we bring you the most exciting updates shaping the future of travel:

  • Leaving luggage concerns behind. The Portuguese luggage management service LUGGit secured €1.8 million in funding. Founded in 2019, LUGGit offers pick-up, storage, and delivery services for luggage. Recognized for innovation by the World Tourism Organization, the company expanded to new European cities and achieved a successful 2023 financial year, doubling its 2022 revenue. With over €2.2 million in total investment, LUGGit plans to further expand across Europe, expand the team and enhance its services. LUGGit was a finalist of our FutureTravel Pitch Competition last year.
  • The European dream for remote workers. California-based Outsite is a community where people who work remotely live together. And they are now getting a lot of money – €300 million – to grow in Europe. The partnership aims to quadruple Outsite’s European inventory to 3,500 rooms, focusing on hotel properties with 20 to 50 rooms or more.  This will also help them expand to 150 places around the world. Their main focus for this expansion is on Europe, particularly in countries like Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy.
  • Fresh perspectives on guided tours. Great piece about WeRoad’s remarkable growth, with its traveler numbers doubling in one fiscal year. The company’s unique model involves trips led by coordinators with little experience in the destination, resulting in spontaneous and adventurous experiences. WeRoad expanded beyond Italy into the UK, Spain, France, and Germany, generating €60M in bookings. The introduction of the WeRoad X marketplace transformed the company into a branded travel agency, empowering coordinators to design and lead specialized tours independently. This shift led to the addition of 200 new itineraries across 50 destinations, fostering collaboration and showcasing the scalability of this approach.
  • In the clouds, in your wallet. Alaska Airlines is rolling out Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology for inflight purchases. Passengers can effortlessly use Apple Pay, digital wallets, or contactless cards for transactions. As part of their commitment to providing seamless and thoughtful experiences for passengers, this collaboration with Stripe enables flight attendants to use iPhones for various tasks, including managing seating, delivering pre-ordered meals, and taking snack and alcohol orders. The Tap to Pay feature is initially being introduced on selected flights and will soon be available on all flights in the future.
  • Decoding tourism through analytics. Italian data analytics company Data Appeal, part of the Almawave Group, has acquired 70% of the Spanish data analytics firm Mabrian Technologies. This strategic move aims to establish dominance in the European travel intelligence market, creating the largest data intelligence company specializing in tourism in Europe. The collaboration leverages the complementary strengths of both companies, boasting a robust portfolio of 160 data sources across 200+ countries. This acquisition positions them as leaders in advanced tourism analytics, covering various aspects such as traveler sentiment, mobility, demand, spending, accommodation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The strategic collaboration responds to the increasing demand for data-driven solutions in the global travel intelligence market.
  • Making tourism more competitive. Telefónica and the UNWTO are partnering until 2026 to foster digital, sustainable, and inclusive tourism. They will focus on areas like digital entrepreneurship, innovation, and the application of technologies such as big data and AI. Together, they will lead the ‘Digital Futures’ program, using technologies like big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Their goals include nurturing global innovation ecosystems, promoting technological adoption in tourism, and offering training programs to enhance skills. The partnership aims to make the tourism industry more competitive and improve its sustainability and inclusivity

Report: Optimize Global Payment Operations in 2024

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  • 125m of climate-friendly flight innovation. Silicon Valley-based startup LTA Research introduces Pathfinder 1, a colossal airship. Powered by electricity, it marks a milestone in environmentally conscious air travel, standing as the largest of its kind at 124.5 meters with 13 helium-filled sections. Pathfinder 1 incorporates cutting-edge drone technology, revolutionizing disaster relief and eco-friendly transportation. Notably, LTA Research is backed by Sergey Brin (yes, Google’s co-founder). And here’s a cool tidbit: LTA stands for Lighter Than Air. Love it!
  • How travel plans get made. Female-owned FamGuru has raised over $100,000 on a crowdfunding campaign, aiding travel professionals in planning and organizing fam trips. Launched in August 2023 at Virtuoso Travel Week, FamGuru has organized 1,000+ fam trips globally, collaborating with luxury brands like Jumeirah, Banyan Tree and St Regis. Fam trips, short for ‘familiarization trips,’ are firsthand learning experiences for travel agents about locations, airlines, tours, hotels, and cruises they promote. FamGuru’s innovative platform addresses outdated methods in fam trip organization and information sharing.
  • Airbnb keeps blending travel with new tech. Airbnb makes its first acquisition as a public company, investing nearly $200 million in stealth AI startup GamePlanner.AI. The startup was founded by Adam Cheyer (one of the creators of Siri) and Siamak Hodjat. The team aims to integrate AI into Airbnb’s platform to enhance user experiences. Airbnb demonstrates a robust commitment to the advancing tech landscape, as seen through recent acquisitions and a focus on AI-powered innovations like the AI-powered Photo Tour tool.  This goes along with CEO Brian Chesky’s idea of using smart AI to give a personal touch to a “travel concierge” service.
  • Etihad’s Journey into Blockchain and Web3. Marking a groundbreaking collaboration in blockchain technology integration within aviation and hospitality, Sleap.io has joined forces with Etihad. The airline has expanded its Web3 presence with the creation of 300 EY-ZERO1 NFTs, offering benefits like air miles and priority status. Sleap.io prioritizes user-friendly reservation systems, incorporating cryptocurrency wallets and unique NFTs for each booking at affordable rates. The collaboration enables NFT holders to access Sleap.io’s global hotel network, enhancing their travel experiences. This partnership signifies a notable shift in the travel industry towards personalized, hassle-free, Web3-influenced journeys.

Never Been Easier to Travel with Pets

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  • Better pet travel experience. Amsterdam-based Pawtrip is joining forces with BermudAir to make it easier for people to travel with their pets. It is upgrading its service by using Pawtrip’s advanced software, which is designed to work well with existing airline systems, so airlines can offer a self-service option for pet reservations. This collaboration allows passengers to easily book seats for their pets, check the pet rules in real-time, and have a stress-free trip. This makes things more efficient and convenient for airlines. Together, they are committed to changing the way people and airlines travel with pets, providing a smooth and pet-friendly solution that sets them apart from others in the industry.
  • Staying away from tourist traps and overcrowded streets. Based in Italy, ORMA Guides is a startup that wants to make your travel experience more meaningful and impactful. They create guides for exploring European cities, but with a twist: they only showcase businesses that are dedicated to making a positive impact on their local communities. When using these guides, travelers can discover hidden gems that support social causes, employ disadvantaged individuals, and use food from community gardens. Visiting and supporting these places, travelers can leave the city better than they found it. ORMA Guides offer a responsible and enjoyable way to explore European cities, making trips purposeful and impactful.
  • Ready to resell unused train tickets? In a move to enhance sustainability in train travel, Rail Europe is partnering with Fairlyne, a startup enabling the resale of unused tickets. This collaboration explores new possibilities, envisioning a platform where Rail Europe customers can resell tickets. Fairlyne’s Resale-as-a-Service platform, allowing users to sell tickets and receive vouchers, aligns with Rail Europe’s goal of making train travel more sustainable. Rail Europe, a global seller of European train tickets and passes, and Fairlyne, facilitating ticket resale during peak seasons, are committed to shape the future of more accessible and environmentally conscious train journeys.
  • Easy and smooth airport coupons. Known for partnering with big airlines, iCoupon is now teaming up with Estonian-based airline Marabu. They’re putting iCoupon’s smart coupon system into Marabu’s operations to make things better for passengers when flights are delayed, starting with Spain and Germany. The system uses touch-free technology to put the coupon value right onto the boarding pass, making everything simpler from getting the coupon to using it. This partnership shows that iCoupon works well for for both established and emerging players in the industry.
  • A boost for “immersive nature” stays. With over €8.5 million in funding secured, Raus, the platform offering nature-based cabin stays, is gearing up to expand across Europe, starting with Austria. The funds will support the development of a new cabin model and improvements to enhance the guest experience through advanced technology. Launched in late 2021, Raus has over 50 cabins in Germany and plans to establish itself as the leading platform for nature hospitality. The company has achieved significant growth, with revenue surging by over 500% and a fivefold increase in guests year over year.
  • Concord Hospitality expands its partnership with Sertifi, integrating contract e-signatures into their existing credit card authorization system. Sertifi’s complete agreement platform, trusted by over 18,500 hospitality companies, enhances efficiency and security for Concord’s hotel management. After successful implementation of Sertifi’s solutions for credit card authorizations and e-signatures, Concord extends the use to property sales teams, allowing seamless contract e-signatures from any device. Currently installed in over 150 Concord properties, Sertifi provides a frictionless experience for both staff and guests, facilitating faster business closures.

Report: Top Branded Cities

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Let’s dive into our curation of the latest in travel, hospitality, and a newly generated report:

  • The world’s top city brands: It is becoming increasingly difficult for destinations to distinguish themselves. Saffron and astara have just published the findings of the 2023 City Brand Barometer, a yearly study that assesses and analyzes city tourism and business branding. The goal is to unpack how cities use their brand to effectively stand out on a global level. In this report, readers will discover the cities that have ranked the highest this year, learn how place brands create lasting impressions, and explore how factors like mobility contribute to building an appealing city brand experience.
  • After you built Airbnb, what comes next? Have you been wondering what Joe Gebbia has been up to since leaving Airbnb? Well, it seems like he has been busy fundraising for his new startup, Samara. The company, which focuses on the creation of “tiny homes,” has recently received $41 million in Series A funding. These small houses are designed to be built quickly and serve as additional rooms or rental properties. Now operating as an independent entity, Samara aims to simplify and accelerate housing construction. With plans to expand its presence, the company will begin scaling its offerings, starting in California.
  • Asian travelers in European trains. Rail Europe has partnered with KKday, a Taiwan-based travel experiences platform, to boost travel from Asia to Europe and promote sustainable railway travel. This partnership empowers KKday users with access to more than 150 railway brands and routes across 33 European countries. The two companies plan to work together on marketing campaigns and share supplier resources in Europe. This partnership matches the increasing emphasis on environmental concerns and sustainable tourism. KKday offers over 300,000 experiences in 92 countries and has obtained $95 million in funding during its Series C+ round
  • Ready to combine shopping with trip planning? Intelligent shopping mall partner Interlnkd has secured £1 million in seed funding. The funding will be used to enhance product capabilities and expand into new regional markets. Interlnkd’s white-label technology allows travel sellers to earn additional revenue by meeting the needs of travelers. Interlnkd’s recent partnerships with travel brands like Thomas Cook and HolidayPirates have boosted the company’s profile and the funding marks a pivotal moment, empowering its mission to reshape the world of travel shopping.
  • Short-term rentals, but without risks. UK-based Superhog, an all-in-one risk management platform for property managers and hosts, has raised $6.7 million in a funding round. The funding will be used to enhance its tech for assessing risks, expand its operations worldwide (especially in the US), and increase its number of employees. With a client base of over 800 property management companies worldwide, Superhog has impressed investors with its growth and talented team.
  • Singapore-based YouTrip has raised $50 million in a funding round. The fintech company offers a special wallet and debit card that allows people to make payments in over 150 different currencies while eliminating foreign transaction fees and “hidden charges” in collaboration with local currency exchange providers. YouTrip plans to use the funds for regional expansion, starting with Malaysia, and intends to broaden its services for businesses, as well as hire 100 employees over the next two years.
  • Kasikorn Bank Group has invested $25 million in Traveligo, a Thai domestic online travel agency (OTA) that will be rebranded as Gother. This investment aims to support the expansion of Traveligo’s services to allow Thai travelers to purchase travel for destinations outside Thailand. The rebranded company will partner with TakeMeTour, an online marketplace for tours and activities in Thailand, with potential future merger plans. The investment comes amid Thailand’s tourism recovery, targeting markets like Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

Business Accommodations just got Easier

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I want to highlight three news stories that stood out to me this week:

  • Long-stays, but make it corporate. Corporate housing provider Apartool has successfully raised €5.5 million in a funding round. The funds will be used to improve their technology and expand internationally, focusing on Italy, Germany, and the UK. Apartool wants to change the way corporate travel is done by providing an easy booking process and unique experiences. Their platform makes it simpler for big companies and travel agencies to find long-stay corporate housing. Founded in Barcelona in 2015, Apartool has seen impressive growth and aims to become a leader in Europe and the Middle East by 2025.
  • Integrating experiences into vacation rentals. HomeToGo has teamed up with GetYourGuide to make it easier for travelers to plan their trips. Now, users of HomeToGo’s vacation rental platform can directly access GetYourGuide’s tours, attractions, and activities after booking their accommodations. This gives travelers a wide range of experiences to choose from near their chosen destination. The collaboration follows a industry trend where accommodation providers are incorporating experiences to improve customer engagement. As Phocuswire writes, the experiences business has been growing, with Tripadvisor reporting a 59% increase in the performance of their Viator marketplace in the past year.
  • Alliants, a company specializing in customer experience, has made an early investment in Travelvrse, a technology that allows immersive booking experiences. Travelvrse’s goal is to improve guest engagement, increase direct bookings, and generate more revenue from additional services. The product focuses on attracting younger travelers by offering interactive experiences and simulations. Alliants is joining other supporters, such as Block Dojo, Amir Azulay, and Alex Grant. Travelvrse is planning to release its product in the first quarter of 2024 and aims to enhance the travel booking process for Millennials and Gen Z
  • All-in-one for Corporate travelers. Munich-based Lanes & Planes secured a €33.2 million  investment in their Series B funding round. Lanes & Planes provides a one-stop digital platform for corporate travel, handling everything from booking to approval and expenses. Established in 2017, the company has experienced significant growth in revenue, establishing itself as a prominent player in the European corporate travel industry. The investment will help them expand further in the European market.
  • Tourhub, an online platform for booking adventure holidays, has successfully raised £1 million in funding. The investment will be used to expand the platform’s reach and bring on board more tour operators. Waterspring Ventures played a leading role in the investment with £450,000, while the Development Bank of Wales contributed £550,000 from its Technology Seed Ventures Fund and Angel Co-Fund. Despite being established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tourhub used the time to strengthen its technology and operations. They also took advantage of the situation to collaborate with tour operators from around the world. CEO Seamus Conlon acknowledged that the pause caused by the pandemic allowed them to focus on building their technology platform and attracting operators at a faster pace.
  • Anyplace, a company that specializes in short-term rentals for remote workers, has raised $10.27 million in funding. This funding includes $8.27 million in ownership shares and $2 million in debt from Silicon Valley Bank. The investment was led by the Launch fund, which was created by Jason Calacanis. Other companies and individual backers also contributed to the funding. Anyplace offers apartment rentals that are convenient for remote work in major cities like San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The funding will help the company grow its services and provide flexible and productive travel options for digital nomads.

New Partnerships to Streamline Experiences and Sustainability

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Here is your weekly curation of the top travel news on innovation, trends and startups in the travel industry:

  • Time for better inflight coffee? Alaska Airlines has partnered with Stumptown Coffee Roasters to bring better coffee to their flights. They carefully chose the coffee to make sure it still tastes good at high altitudes. Normally, being in the air can make food and drinks taste different because the air pressure changes how we can taste things. This is especially true for coffee, which usually ends up tasting kind of bland on planes.
  • Baggage trolleys, but with a twist. Travelers at Munich Airport can now use smart baggage trolleys equipped with interactive tablets provided by Danish company Intelligent Track Systems. These tablets allow passengers to input flight information or scan boarding cards, providing real-time flight updates and granting access to terminal facilities like shops and restaurants. Supporting the goal to make the airport experience better, these tablets are part of Munich Airport’s innovation initiatives, blending digital and analog elements for added passenger value.
  • Affordable (and certified) sustainable stays. On their effort to support travelers on their increased interest in accommodations with sustainability certifications, Booking.com is partnering up with Sustonica, a startup specialized in sustainability certification for short-term rentals. Sustonica assesses properties based on UN Sustainable Development Goals and evaluates energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and community impact. If a rental gets a good rating, it will have a special badge on Booking.com. Sustonica is trying to show property owners that being sustainable isn’t expensive and can be a good idea.
  • Digital menus: quick and easy. Hospitality tech companies Popmenu and OpenTable have partnered together to make it easier for restaurants in the US and Canada to manage their digital menus. This collaboration, which will expand to the UK in 2024, allows restaurant owners to import, create, and update menus for multiple locations using Popmenu. By streamlining menu management, this partnership helps restaurant owners improve their online visibility and enhance the dining experience for their customers. Popmenu also offers additional AI-driven solutions to support the growth of restaurants.
  • A push for cleaner skies. EasyJet is leading the way in reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry. They are the first airline to partner with Airbus for their carbon removal program, which uses advanced tech to extract CO2 from the air and store it safely underground. EasyJet is spearheading carbon reduction in the airline sector by partnering with Airbus in a pioneering carbon-removal initiative, aiming for zero carbon emission flights through technologies like carbon removal and sustainable aviation fuel.

Innovations for Medium-Term Accommodations

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Today this newsletter is packed with exciting news about startups shaking things up in travel – specially in Europe. Ready for our curation of the top weekly news? Here we go:

  • The sweet spot of medium stays. Berlin-based startup Habyt, aims to revolutionize longer stays (typically lasting six to nine months) catering to nomadic and flexible work lifestyles. Already profitable in key markets, Habyt has secured a Series C funding of €40 million to support its growth. The startup runs a digital-first platform offering listings and viewings online, emphasizing a tech-driven approach in the co-living market. Habyt strategically targets the “sweet spot of medium stays” and plans to expand further across Europe, Asia, and North America, bridging the gap between short-term and long-term rentals
  • Mews prioritizes optimizing guests’ experiences. Mews has acquired Nomi, a Nashville-based hospitality startup, to enhance AI-powered guest experiences. This acquisition will improve the AI-powered experiences for hotel guests using Mews Guest Journey. Founded in 2021, Nomi uses predictive analytics and AI to offer local tour recommendations based on travelers’ unique preferences. The acquisition aligns with Mews’ goal of optimizing guest experiences, building a strong community within hotels, and further exemplifies their commitment to technological advancements in the hospitality sector, as it marks the seventh acquisition for Mews Ventures
  • Changing the way we book spaces. Finnish startup MeetingPackage has secured $4.6 million in Series A funding, which will support their expansion in Europe and North America while also advancing product improvements. The company collaborates with more than 6,000 properties, offering software to manage and sell meeting and event spaces, integrated with major property management systems. MeetingPackage aims to utilize upcoming features to make operations smoother and enhance customer experience, using technology to revolutionize how venues and groups book spaces.
  • Investment in insuring global travelers. Rome-based travel-insurtech BeSafeGroup has secured €3 million in Series A funding. Established in 2018, BeSafeGroup has insured over 250,000 travelers, serving a network of 1,600 customers (including hotels, tour operators, and more). The funds will not only further improve their claims management platform and develop tailored insurance solutions but also expand their sales team to accelerate growth, enabling BeSafeGroup to lead the market through tech innovation and enhanced customer experience.
  • Using AI predictions to adjust prices. Royal Air Maroc is partnering with Fetcherr to leverage their AI-driven pricing solution, which utilizes artificial intelligence to suggest price adjustments based on market predictions. Fetcherr is known for their innovative pricing and inventory management and believes that generative AI is the future of the airline industry. This partnership is a big step for Royal Air Maroc’s revenue management strategy and shows their commitment to improving operations and passenger experience.
  • Simplifying insurance and screening for rentals. Safely has secured $8 million in funding. The Atlanta-based startup focuses on insurance and safety tools for homeowners and property managers who rent out their properties. Safely offers insurance policies that cover personal injury and property damage for rental properties. Additionally, the company also offers background checks on prospective guests by checking government records and criminal databases. Safely’s solutions are compatible with over 30 property management systems, automating insurance and screening procedures. Their future plans include expanding operations, with a focus on growth and potential expansion into Europe.

Positive Experiences for the Environment

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Here are five stories about innovation, trends, and startups that caught my eye this week:

  • Local experts and authentic travel experiences. TravelLocal just got $10.3 million from investors to help them boost their mission of sustainable, local-centric travel. The startup wants people to travel in ways that are good for the environment and help local communities, connecting travelers with experts in each destination, offering authentic experiences. This funding will drive international expansion and enhance their marketplace, amplifying their unique approach to meaningful and responsible travel.
  • Boosting an European digital hospitality pioneer. NUMA Group secured $59 million in Series C funding led by Verlinvest to advance its innovative tech stack and expand its digital hospitality platform across Europe. Their fully digital hospitality brand combines the best of hotels and short-term rentals, offering guests seamless experiences from booking to checkout. With over €1.5 billion in real estate assets and 4,500 rooms in 28 European cities, NUMA is transforming the hospitality industry, bringing both high-level consumer experiences and operational efficiency through tech.
  • Contactless hotel stays. Ireland-based hospitality tech platform, Shackle, raised £12 million in a Series A round. Founded in 2020, Shackle offers a comprehensive app integrating with hotel systems for contactless check-in, keyless entry, and room service. The startup aims to reduce check-in times at hotels, improving customer experiences.
  • Fresh touch for in-destination experiences. Barcelona-based Globick just got $1.5 million from investors. The funds will boost the startup’s strategic commercial expansion and enhance the tech team to work with more travel suppliers. Globick aims to become the leading B2B connectivity platform in the in-destination experiences market. The startup has seen an increase in transaction volume, as well as growing client base including Trip.com and Hellotickets.
  • Bringing back the 70’s travel vibes. Loge Camps, a Washington-based lodging brand focusing on outdoor experiences, has successfully secured over $16 million in funding. The funds will accelerate growth, introducing new destinations, experiences, and amenities to their current property network. Inspired by the free-spirited travel culture of the 70s, Loge Camps offers a variety of ways to stay, fostering a sense of community through communal spaces and local experiences, embodying the relaxed energy of a road trip with friends.