Hotels.com & Expedia Affiliate Network launch accelerator for travel tech start-ups

A new accelerator for travel tech start-ups has been launched by Hotels.com and Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN).

Designed to nurture and grow “next-gen travel disruptors”, Hotel Jumpstart will provide five selected start-ups with workspace, tools and expert mentoring over the course of its six-month programme.

Businesses will have access to EAN’s full suite of accommodation via its APIs, which will enable them to apply such tools to their own businesses.

While subject matter experts from Hotels.com and EAN will lead the finalists through advisory workshops covering everything from product development and machine learning to strategy, sales and marketing.

The finalist’s package also includes shared workspace at the Traveltech Lab, as well as a bespoke business support curriculum and a networking programme with over 400 top-tier founders and professionals.

While the outright winner will receive $10,000 worth of Hotels.com travel vouchers to go towards their business travel expenses.

The Hotel Jumpstart senior team includes:

• Kevin van Heerden, technical director of Hotels.com
• Ben Blake, vice president, global customer marketing at Hotels.com
• Cassio Camanho, head of product solutions at Expedia Affiliate Network
• Andrew Cooke, CEO of London & Partners
• Sarah Newcombe, marketing director at Expedia Affiliate Network
• Charles Armstrong, founder & CEO of The Trampery

Johan Svanstrom, president of Hotels.com and EAN brands, said:

“We operate at the forefront of the travel tech industry and pride ourselves on our ‘test and learn’ approach as a means to constantly innovate.

“Transferring this approach to empower start-ups is central to our pioneering ethos and we hope to learn as much from their journey as they learn from us.

“The initiative is open to any early to mid-stage travel technology companies in Europe. We would like to support entrepreneurs working on disruptive technology concepts applicable to online travel, with a focus around lodging.”

To apply for the accelerator, click here.