Edition #113, July 6th

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Hi ,

I've been completely immersed in preparations for our upcoming FutureTravel Summit, and I've got some exciting announcements to share today. First off, I'm thrilled to let you know that IAAPA has come on board as one of our event sponsors! 🎉  As the leading trade association representing the attractions industry, IAAPA brings together professionals from over 100 countries. From amusement parks and resorts to museums and cruise lines, IAAPA's members span various sectors, all dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for guests worldwide. We couldn't be prouder to have them on board for this event!

The event is being crafted especially for decision-makers in the travel industry - it's going to be a day filled with inspiration, meaningful connections, and thought-provoking discussions. Today, we're thrilled to announce two incredible speakers who will grace our stage. First up is Alexandre Guinefolleau, the CEO and co-founder of Amenitiz. He'll be sharing valuable insights not only on how their platform empowers hoteliers worldwide but also on the remarkable journey of building this fast-growing startup. Our second speaker is Jacqueline Davidson, the program director at Aerospace Xelerated (aka the accelerator from Boeing). She'll shed light on the dynamic world of corporate collaboration with startups and how it can fuel innovation within the travel industry.

I’m excited to have these brilliant minds joining us! Make sure to get your ticket and mark your calendar because this is an event you truly don't want to miss! And keep your eyes peeled for the big speaker announcements in the upcoming newsletter editions 👀

Now, let's dive into this week's curated selection of the top news in innovation, trends, and startups that are shaping the travel industry.

• Norwegian's surprise acquisition. Norwegian's acquisition of regional carrier Widerøe has surprised industry experts, marking a significant milestone in Norwegian aviation history. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to pose a major challenge to rival airline SAS. While the announcement caught analysts off guard, it holds several advantages for both parties. Norwegian's shares immediately rose following the news, reflecting the strategic value of the acquisition. With Widerøe's expertise in serving smaller airports and Norwegian's extensive route network, the deal strengthens their market positions and offers synergy opportunities. Additionally, this enables Norwegian to manage seasonality better and provides Widerøe with a strong partner to navigate the challenges of high taxes and international competition in the industry.

• Simplifying workflow for vacation rentals. US-based financial operation system for the hospitality sector Topkey has secured $5.1 million in a seed funding round. Initially focusing on vacation rental property managers, Topkey offers an expense management, billing, and payment platform. Recognizing the pain points in expense management for property managers, the startup aims to streamline the process, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Additionally, the platform addresses the fragmented workflow by integrating various systems for payment cards, banking, business intelligence, and invoicing. 

• Any Wear, Anywhere. Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation are embarking on a trial of the "Any Wear, Anywhere" clothing-sharing service, aimed at foreign tourists and business travelers flying with JAL to Japan. The trial aims to measure the environmental impact of the service, which provides clothing rentals at the destination, reducing the need for excessive luggage. Sumitomo will handle the reservation system, clothing procurement, laundering, and delivery, while JAL will monitor the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions resulting from reduced airplane weight. By prioritizing customer benefits and simultaneously creating environmental value, both companies are redefining the concept of responsible travel. I’m always happy to promote sustainable travel initiatives that go beyond the conventional buzzwords of "green" or "sustainable" in the title. <3

• Sabre unlocks luxury experiences. Sabre has acquired Techsembly, a startup specializing in cloud-based software services for luxury hotels, including the management of gift card sales. Techsembly is renowned for its expertise in helping luxury hotel brands sell property-specific experiences through global gift cards. As part of the acquisition, their solution will be integrated into Sabre's offerings, including its central reservation system, providing hoteliers with a streamlined solution for managing online sales.

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.

If you are looking for the most disruptive startups in the travel industry right now, check out our Premium Report: “Top 100 Travel Startups” which might be relevant for you.

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