Why we’re celebrating World Tourism Day

Hi there,

With World Tourism Day tomorrow, it’s more than just a chance to look back - it's an opportunity to focus on where travel is headed. FutureTravel is here to recognize the innovators shaping the future and highlight what’s coming next. 

So here are some of the key things we’re celebrating today:

• Innovation is transforming the industry. From AI-driven platforms to eco-friendly transportation, businesses that embrace these technologies are paving the way for smarter, more efficient travel. The future of travel will be driven by tech solutions that streamline experiences and push the industry forward.

• Sustainability is no longer optional. As travelers become more eco-conscious, businesses are stepping up with greener practices. The companies that balance profit with environmental responsibility are leading the way. Sustainability isn’t just a trend - it’s essential.

• The rise of remote work is also reshaping business travel. A reminder that travel is not just for leisure - ibut many times it’s part of everyday work life. Companies offering flexible, seamless travel solutions are uniquely positioned to thrive in this new era of mobility.

• Experiences are at the heart of travel, bringing people closer together across borders and cultures. It’s not just about the destinations, but the moments we share along the way. And behind those moments are the businesses (from airlines to tech companies) that make it all possible. It’s impressive to see how these companies are shaping the future of travel, creating more meaningful and seamless experiences for people worldwide.

• Personalized travel is in high demand, and businesses that deliver tailored experiences are seeing greater loyalty and satisfaction. Whether it’s a celebration trip or a business retreat, customized travel is key to meeting modern expectations.

• Tourism continues to drive economic growth, creating jobs and supporting local economies. Travel companies are not only facilitating exploration but also making a positive impact on communities around the globe.

The way I see it: it’s not just about celebrating today. It’s about looking ahead to the future of travel: the innovation, sustainability, and the people driving these changes.

And now, we’re giving a few very lucky readers the chance to be part of shaping that future with us.

→ The first 3 readers to reply to this email with the phrase “Celebrating the future of travel”, will get an exclusive complimentary ticket to our FutureTravel Summit on November 28th in Barcelona!

This is a big opportunity to join a select group and help shape the conversations driving the industry forward. Together.

And now it’s time to check out this week’s highlights on innovation, trends, and startups.

Tour-guide tips go high-tech. TripAdmit has raised €1 million to support the growth of its digital tipping app, TipDirect. Based in Dublin, TripAdmit’s solution allows tour guides to receive tips, upsell tours, and collect reviews - all in a cashless, streamlined way. With this funding led by DataOp, the company is set to expand its presence across Europe and North America, continuing to improve digital engagement in the tours and activities sector.

Ready to bid for better seats? SeatBoost, a startup offering dynamic seat upgrade solutions, has secured investment from International Airlines Group (IAG). SeatBoost’s platform enables passengers to bid on premium seat upgrades through live auctions at the airport, generating extra revenue for airlines. With IAG's backing, SeatBoost aims to expand its platform, improve personalization, and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. Current partners include Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, and LATAM.

No more visa headaches. Visa processing platform Atlys has raised $20 million in a Series B round. With 20x growth in the past year, Atlys is rapidly expanding in key markets like the US, UAE, and the UK. This funding will help Atlys improve its automation-driven visa process, which reduces application times to as fast as 55 seconds. As global tourism grows Atlys is positioned to ease one of the biggest pain points for international travelers: seamless visa approvals. With over 150 destinations on board, Atlys is pushing the boundaries of what frictionless travel could look like.

Revolutionizing cold chain cargo. Founded in 2018, Swiss Airtainer, a leader in active temperature-controlled air cargo containers, has secured a significant pre-round A investment from private investors. This funding will enable the company to scale production, expand globally, and meet growing demand in the pharmaceutical and logistics sectors. Swiss Airtainer’s innovative containers, which reduce CO2 emissions by 45%, have gained regulatory approval and are reshaping the landscape of sustainable cold chain logistics with advanced tracking and temperature control technology.

See you next week,
Ana

Thank you for reading until the end.

The content of this newsletter is curated and published by Ana Metz, an innovation expert, passionate about technology and excited about the future of travel.

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