Winning medals, deals and insights.

Hi there,

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been super hooked on the Olympics since they started. There have been so many great moments in Paris so far, but one really touched me: watching Rebeca Andrade work her magic and finally claim her gold medal. And as she stood on the podium, the American gymnasts bowed to her. When asked why, they replied, 'it was the right thing to do.' They were honoring her win, the all-black podium, and all the hard work and dedication. A moment that’s now all over the internet.

Sure, the Olympics are all about fierce competition, but it seems like this time, athletes are going way beyond. Like yesterday, when 21-year-old Australian Keegan Palmer won his gold medal in skateboard park. When it was time to celebrate, he wasn’t alone.

You might say this isn’t travel-related, and… you’re right. To me, this is about people. And people are at the core of everything we do.

Thinking about these 'Olympic moments,' a friend mentioned, 'maybe this is just how the younger generation is' - I truly hope that’s the case. It gives us hope to continue striving for excellence, pulling off the best tricks and twists while having fun and celebrating others along the way.

So, let this newsletter be a reminder: much like in sports, businesses flourish through respect, celebration, and excellence. Isn't that what drives innovation and success? Elite athletes celebrating each other highlights how important collaboration and encouragement are for outstanding results. Also in business.

You never know, maybe your next biggest competitor or a strategic partner could be from this younger crowd? It might be time to start including them in our plans.

With Summer in full swing here in Spain, let’s continue striving for excellence, enjoying the ride, and celebrating our successes.

Check out the latest in travel trends, innovations, and startups

From festivals to flights. Berlin-based AI travel startup, YGO Trips, raised €2.5 million to innovate travel planning. Launched in January 2023, YGO Trips aims to revolutionize travel planning with AI-driven solutions, offering personalized, real-time booking for diverse experiences. The funds will enhance their AI technology, promising more efficient, tailored, and affordable travel options for global travelers.

Turning rent into rewards. Loyalty platform, Bilt Rewards raised $150 million. Bilt users earn points through rent payments, and local spending like dining, fitness, and Lyft, redeemable for travel. Funds will expand programs to include mortgage payments. Bilt's platform spending has surged 50%, reaching $30 billion annually.

Booking hotels on-the-go. Through a partnership with Hopper Technology Solutions, Tripadvisor now offers in-app hotel bookings. This new feature adds to the app's capabilities, allowing members to book hotels directly alongside experiences and dining options. The move aims to make Tripadvisor an essential travel planning tool for its users.

Immersive virtual travel. Disney Plus has launched its first virtual National Geographic experience for those with access to Apple Vision Pro, creating new opportunities for the travel industry. Users can explore Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park through 3D photogrammetry model, even featuring the Northern Lights. Very cool for those experimenting with immersive experiences, brings destinations to life in a unique and engaging way.

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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