Travel Start-Up Innovation Camp in Malaysia

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) Start-Up Innovation Camp takes place from 11 – 13 September 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia. The program provides a platform to attract capital, talents and partnerships. During the two day camp, selected founders in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry will have the chance to refine their pitch and business models. At the end the finalists present the business model to the jury comprising of international investors and industry executives.

WTFL Chairman of Judges Roland Zeller, a leading entrepreneur and business angel, has heard well over 10,000 start-up pitches over the past 20 years. He comments on the essence of a business model: “About 20 per cent of the pitches I’ve seen were truly innovative. Only a handful of those would succeed, as it hinges on the business model and the team. It’s true that ‘the best idea is only as good as the team behind it.”

Moreover, selected startups have the chance to attend a breakfast meeting to meet face-to-face with industry experts and receive feedback from them.

“There is nothing like this event anywhere else in the world,” Mr Zeller said. “It absolutely does have the power, not just to transform the start-up business but also the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The pitch is only the start of the opportunity. For example, these founders can breakfast with key industry players representing global powerhouses, so it is an unrivalled «money can’t buy» launch pad made for true go-getters.”

The most innovative business models will receive $15’000 of the Start-Up Innovation Award. They will get a free pass to the "5 Minutes of Fame" at PATA Travel Mart (PTM), Asia-Pacific’s worldwide travel trade exhibition. Other benefitits include; coaching for two years, a free ticket to the World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019 (1-3 May 2019) and coverage of travel fees to Malaysia.

Eligible to apply are startups younger than five years and fit one of five categories: transaction, hospitality, destination, transportation or impact. They also must have an existing product and first sales, an international vision, or the ability to create a significant effect on their region.

About the WTFL
The World Tourism Forum Lucerne is a unique platform for CEOs, Ministers, Academia, Finance, Start-Ups and representatives of tomorrow’s generation to actively exchange, share and address the future challenges of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry to shape a more sustainable future. The 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne will take place from 1 to 3 May 2019.

(ran)