Booking.com selects Kitro

Booking.com, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies and digital technology leader, has selected 10 sustainable tourism startups that will be joining the 2018 Booking Booster Programme in Amsterdam in May 2018. The startups stem from six different countries and operate collectively across six continents, including Antarctica. Their businesses also represent a diverse mix of innovative online marketplaces that connect travellers with inclusive travel experiences, cutting-edge technology solutions and initiatives that empower local communities to benefit more equally from the global tourism opportunity.

One of the ten startups is KITRO from Renens, Switzerland. The startup developed the first fully automatic food waste management solution, comprising of a Kitro Box and software. Targeted at restaurants and hotels, the solution is designed for tracking, measuring, assessing and monitoring the amount of food wasted, which consequently allows for cost reduction.

As one of the ten finalists, Kitro will benefit from the three-week accelerator program consisting of a series of lectures, hands-on workshops and coaching. The program culminates in a final pitch where the best startups will be announced to receive a scaling grant of up to €500'000 from Booking.com’s €2 million fund in order to help support the next stage of the startups’ projected growth.

Gillian Tans, CEO of Booking.com comments on the startup selection and the program: “We are thrilled with the 10 inventive startups joining us in Amsterdam this spring. The relationships we build with these passionate entrepreneurs not only help fuel their continued growth, but also invigorate and inspire our entire company. Our aim is to build a network of like-minded organisations and individuals that are leveraging technology to create a more sustainable future for destinations worldwide. Through our collective commitment, we are striving to ensure that we can keep the unique destinations we all love happy and healthy for generations to come.”

(press release/ran)