CWT strikes partnership with Plug and Play to support travel technologies for the future

Corporate travel giant Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) struck a new collaboration with Plug and Play, a start-up accelerator based in Silicon Valley.

Corporate travel giant Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) struck a new collaboration with Plug and Play, a start-up accelerator based in Silicon Valley.

The travel management company will help select the most promising start-ups working on the next generation of travel and hospitality products and services.

Plug and Play Travel & Hospitality aims to support and help grow technologies that are defining the future of travel and hospitality.

In partnership with CWT it will accept 20-30 start-ups in each of its two Travel & Hospitality classes of 2016.

Start-ups accepted into the three-month programme will receive mentor opportunities with leaders in travel and hospitality across all verticals including hotels, airlines, online travel agencies, cruise lines, and global distribution systems.

Vincent Lebunetel, vice president, corporate innovation at CWT, said: “Through this collaboration with Plug and Play, we can proactively help start-ups navigate the complexity of the travel industry.

“It’s mutually beneficial. We hear a different perspective on our industry while making important connections with future leaders and those behind the latest business travel innovations. And the new companies get the benefit of our experience.”

Amir Amidi, managing partner of Plug and Play Travel and Hospitality, added: “We are very excited to have CWT join Plug and Play’s Travel and Hospitality Center of Innovation.

“CWT’s commitment to innovation is evident and unique. Their systematic approach to innovation will help the company leverage relationships with fast moving disrupters that have potential to significantly impact the travel industry. We are very excited to contribute to CWT’s innovation roadmap.”