Edition #114, July 13

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Hi ,

An announcement hit me recently, and it didn't come from the travel industry per se but from the gastronomy world. However, the links and connections between the two are clear when it comes to the importance of staying ahead, even if it requires some pivoting here and there. Let's be honest: in the world of culinary excellence, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Noma. 

Renowned for its extraordinary flavors and innovative dishes, Noma has consistently held the title of the best restaurant in the world. But what if Noma's influence extended beyond gastronomy and could also set the tone for the travel industry? Noma's recent reinvention serves as a powerful reminder that restaurants can be more than just places to eat; they can act as catalysts for transformative experiences, including travel experiences. Let's explore how Noma's journey can shape our perspective and approach to travel.

Even if you're not a foodie, you probably know that Noma stands stood tall as the best restaurant in the world, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining the dining experience. However, in a surprising twist, Noma announced its closure last January, only to reemerge now as Noma Projects — a move that challenges the status quo. From my perspective, this transformation not only captivates the culinary world but also offers valuable lessons for the travel industry.

• Embracing Reinvention: Noma's decision to go "restaurantless" may seem audacious, but it exemplifies the spirit of innovation. By shifting its focus to Noma Projects, an artisanal consumer goods brand, the restaurant aims to democratize access to its extraordinary flavors, paving the way for a sustainable and groundbreaking business model. Let’s take this bold move to make the travel industry question the conventional and consider alternative approaches that can breathe new life into their offerings.

• Breaking the Mold: The travel industry often finds itself stuck in familiar patterns, reluctant to venture beyond the beaten path. However, Noma's reinvention serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that daring to do things differently can yield remarkable results. As executives within the travel sector, it's crucial to embrace innovation and break free from traditional molds. By adopting fresh perspectives, challenging norms, and exploring uncharted territory, travel companies can create exceptional experiences that captivate customers.

• Unleashing Potential: Noma Projects' e-commerce operation, offering seasonal sauces and condiments, presents an intriguing model for the industry. Taking cues from the world of streetwear, limited-edition drops have already generated significant demand, showcasing the power of exclusivity and scarcity. By applying similar concepts to travel experiences, executives can unlock untapped potential and cater to the growing desire for unique, immersive adventures that leave lasting impressions on travelers.

• Pop-Up Experiences: While Noma bids farewell to its physical dining room, it embarks on an exciting journey of international pop-up experiences. Chef Renée Redzepi and his team traverse the globe, infusing local ingredients and cultural influences into their culinary creations. This approach represents a compelling opportunity for the travel industry to curate one-of-a-kind, location-specific encounters that blend authenticity, exploration, and gastronomy. By embracing the concept of pop-ups, travel companies can deliver memorable experiences that resonate with today's discerning travelers.

Without passing judgment on its success, let's view Noma's reinvention as a friendly wake-up call for travel: it invites everyone to think beyond conventional strategies, envision new customer experiences, and embrace emerging trends. 

Noma's extraordinary journey, from its peak as a fine dining establishment to a reinvented consumer goods brand, speaks volumes about the vast opportunities awaiting those who dare to challenge the status quo. 

Drawing inspiration from Noma's story and embracing innovation, travel executives can pave the way for a vibrant and dynamic industry that captivates the hearts and minds of travelers worldwide. So who is ready for the Noma effect on business?

Back to our usual content.

It’s been a busy week for traveltech, so I’ve curated the top stories on innovation, trends, and startups in the travel industry. You can stay informed with our weekly roundup. Here we go:

• Transforming travel with digital identity. Amsterdam-based startup NeoKe founded by former Booking.com executives has secured €1.3 million in funding to accelerate their tech development and go-to-market strategies. NeoKe's mission is to revolutionize the travel industry by creating a decentralized digital identity platform. With their blockchain and cloud-based solution, travelers can securely store and share verified identification, putting control of their data in their hands. Great tech and a great team… but this will always be my favorite thing about NeoKe. Take it as a kind reminder that the applications for this year’s FutureTravel pitch competition are now open - and it’s a great opportunity for startups. You can apply here.

• Ticket resale takeover in travel. French startup Fairlyne secured €2.7M funding to disrupt travel distribution with their innovative platform. By removing barriers to resale, Fairlyne empowers travel brands and operators to offer customers the flexibility to resell non-refundable tickets and increase profitability from no-shows. The funding will fuel platform development, market expansion, and deployment with enterprise clients.

• Ready for innovative airport solutions. Aena, the European airport operator, has launched its startup acceleration program and is seeking startups that can tackle challenges in the airport industry. From sustainability to digitization, Aena Ventures is interested in enhancing airport procedures, improving data management, streamlining passenger transit, driving digitization, and promoting environmental sustainability. Selected startups will receive financial support, expert guidance, and the opportunity to collaborate with a leading airport operator.

• Connecting wellness operators to travel. Zurich-based startup BODDY has successfully raised €2 million in a seed round. While providing a digital platform for travelers to search, compare, book, and access wellness experiences worldwide, BODDY helps fitness and wellness operators expand their reach and revenue by connecting them with a global audience through scalable distribution channels. The investment will support their vision to revolutionize the travel and wellness industry, with a focus on product development and global expansion.

• Hyper tech to guests all around. HyperGuest raised $23M in Series A funding to accelerate growth and further develop their innovative solution. The platform enables direct connections between hotels, suppliers, and distributors, optimizing inventory distribution and boosting revenues. This funding milestone positions HyperGuest to reshape and expand the hospitality industry, enhancing technology infrastructure for an efficient and transparent ecosystem.

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This edition of the FutureTravel newsletter may have felt slightly different compared to what you're accustomed to. I would love to hear your feedback on this format, . Your input is very important, so don't hesitate to hit reply and share your thoughts :)

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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