Front Runners: New Competition Invites Startups to Bring Value to Travel Industry

Innovative technology startups are invited to enter the
Front Runners Travel Tech Competition

WTM London, Travel Forward and World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) are joining forces to launch a startup competition and summit for technology startups offering sustainable and innovative solutions to the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

The Front Runners Travel Tech Competition will shortlist 30 startups across three categories to be promoted among WTM’s and TF’s exhibitors and attendees as top innovators to partner with and thrive.

The categories have been chosen to invite creativity and raise awareness for much-needed solutions around key themes: Smart Mobility, Hospitality of the Future and Experiences Revolution.

The summit will take place on 2 November during WTM London and Travel Forward physical shows at Excel London, when nine finalists (top three per category) will be invited to pitch to an international judging panel and exclusive audience of investors, industry leaders and innovators.

The application window is now open and the call will run until 26 August. Startups are invited to apply by clicking here.

World Travel Market 2018, ExCeL London

“We’re confident that Front Runners will offer an exclusive platform for early-stage startups to be put in the spotlight and get traction for their solutions. The sustainable focus of the competition also resonates with the end customer and the global investment community, which is currently seeing strong returns and multiples on enterprise startup plays,”  WTFL President & CEO Martin Barth said.

Front-runners will be spotlighted during WTM London and Travel Forward and enter into a prestigious WTM London & Travel Forward’s startup shortlist. They will also fly to London (flights & accommodation included) and benefit from networking and B2B meetings.

Moreover, finalists will join the exclusive WTFL Dealflow Tool – a proprietary platform that connects travel startups with potential backers, investors and service providers.

WTM London and Travel Forward in-person shows will take place from November 1-3 at ExCeL London.

They will be followed by WTM & TF Virtual on November 8-9.