myPlane, a Finnish travel tech startup, reported a 300% surge in charter flight inquiries in 2024, processing €200 million in offers. This success, driven by its innovative digital booking platform, reflects a wider industry shift towards efficient, transparent solutions. myPlane plans a new funding round to support its ambitious expansion goals, anticipating a fourfold increase in inquiries in 2025.
In a groundbreaking partnership, the UN Tourism and the French government have launched the UN Tourism National Open Innovation Challenge, a program designed to unearth the next generation of travel tech pioneers. This initiative, the first of its kind between UN Tourism and France, aims to fuel innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the tourism industry.
Thayer Ventures and Derive Ventures, both prominent venture capital firms specializing in travel and hospitality, have joined forces to create Thayer Investment Partners (TIP). This new platform aims to leverage their combined expertise to invest in cutting-edge startups and drive innovation within the travel and hospitality industry.
A new study reveals that only 15.6% of travel tech CEOs are women, highlighting the ongoing gender disparity in leadership within the industry. Despite a slight increase since 2021, the study emphasizes the need for greater action to achieve gender equality at the top. Female leaders in the industry call for proactive steps to promote female leadership, arguing that a diverse leadership team ensures a wider range of customer needs are met. The report offers hope for continued change, with progress being made at mid-level and C-suite roles, suggesting a path towards greater equality in the future.
Atlys, a travel tech startup, has launched in Dubai, aiming to simplify visa applications for the UAE’s large expat community. The company offers streamlined services, transparent information, and convenient online management, making visa processing less stressful and more accessible.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with Freedomverse, a Web3 builder, to launch the Freedom World app. This innovative app will enhance travel experiences in Thailand, particularly in Koh Samui and its surrounding islands, by leveraging Web3 technology for community-driven interactions, gamified activities, and seamless communication. The collaboration aims to attract a new generation of travelers, particularly digital nomads, and boost local tourism revenue.
Rajnish Kumar, an IIT Kanpur graduate, co-founded Ixigo, a travel tech company that has reached a market value of over Rs 6,000 crore. Kumar, who left a software engineering job in France, demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of IITians and the potential for success in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Way and AZDS Interactive Group have launched a revolutionary digital reservation system for hotels and resorts that simplifies booking rooms and experiences into a single transaction. This innovative platform, called RevRaise Experience, allows guests to craft complete itineraries directly on a property’s website, streamlining the booking process and enhancing guest satisfaction.
FlixBus India, the travel-tech company, has successfully completed three months of operation, having accumulated over 1.4 million kilometers driven and expanding its network to over 50 cities. The company has introduced 11 new routes, bringing the total to 20, and partnered with 5 major bus operators, increasing its fleet to 45 buses. Additionally, FlixBus has inaugurated two new lounges in Anand Vihar and RK Ashram, in addition to one at Kashmiri Gate, offering travelers a comfortable space to relax before their journeys.
