Two travel-focussed tech start-up companies can see their product or service piloted in two European Marriott Hotels for six-weeks by successfully pitching to the hotelier. The successful young firms could bag a partnership with Marriott after the trial period if it impresses. The companies will be able to use an individual hotel as a ‘test … Continue reading Start-ups can win Marriott deal with tech pitch
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Start-ups can win Marriott deal with tech pitch
Two travel-focussed tech start-up companies can see their product or service piloted in two European Marriott Hotels for six-weeks by successfully pitching to the hotelier.
The successful young firms could bag a partnership with Marriott after the trial period if it impresses.
The companies will be able to use an individual hotel as a ‘test bed’ while receiving publicity and support from Marriott Hotels, as well as exposure at relevant events and introduction to industry leaders.
A mentoring programme including training and workshops delivered by professionals from the travel and hospitality industry and marketing agencies will also be offered to the start-ups as part of the deal.
Start-ups can register their interest via MarriottTestBED.com, if they are a seed or early stage start-up with developed products or services ready to go to market.
Products or services should:
- Fit within the travel and hospitality sector
- Be able to be implemented at a single hotel level
- Offer guests a useful tool to explore and discover a city or region OR
- Help Marriott Hotels better understand their guests wants and needs
- Not require heavy integration into global systems
The deadline for entries is Sunday October 16 and entrants should be willing to work within Europe. A shortlist of eight start-ups will be invited to pitch to a panel of industry experts, including the head of innovation at AOL and senior Marriott figures, on Friday November 4.
The winning two companies will then be given a few days boot-camp-style training, before piloting their product or service in a Marriott Hotel.
Osama Hirzalla, vice president of brand marketing and eCommerce Europe at Marriott International, said: “The wealth of talent and innovation lying in start-up communities is truly phenomenal and we’re delighted to offer two companies the chance to launch their idea or product to a global travel market, benefit from a tailored mentor scheme, and receive feedback from actual customers, which is invaluable.
“The most exciting thing about Marriott TestBED is the idea that entrepreneurs can learn from us and we can learn from them: combining their agility and creativity with our tools and hospitality expertise could be a powerful force in enhancing the guest experience.”
