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Transform the Future of Hospitality: Why Your Startup Needs to Join Tourism Advance

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

The global tourism and hospitality landscape is evolving fast. From AI-driven operations and guest personalization to sustainable resource management, the industry is hungry for fresh, disruptive technologies.  


If you are a startup founder with an MVP, a validated solution, or a market-ready product, there is no better testing ground than Portugal—a global benchmark for tourism excellence.


And right now, Tourism Advance is opening its doors to connect innovative founders directly with real industry leaders.  



What is Tourism Advance?

Powered by Fábrica de Startups and supported by Turismo de Portugal, Tourism Advance is an open innovation program designed to bridge the gap between forward-thinking startups and leading hospitality operators across Portugal.  


Whether you’re building tech for hotels, resorts, hostels, or short-term rentals, Tourism Advance provides a direct runway to validate, adapt, and scale your solution through real-world pilots.  


Why Should Your Startup Join?

Breaking into the hospitality sector often means dealing with long sales cycles, legacy systems, and risk-averse stakeholders. Tourism Advance cuts through the noise:


  • Direct Access to Decision-Makers: Meet key leaders from top hotels, resorts, and accommodation groups looking for immediate solutions.  

  • Real-World Pilot Opportunities: Co-design use cases and test your technology in live business environments.  

  • Expert Mentorship & Bootcamps: Receive hands-on guidance, market feedback, and tailored support to refine your product-market fit.  

  • No Equity Taken: Focus on growing your business and gaining traction without giving up ownership.

  • International Scope: You don't need to be based in Portugal to apply—as long as your product is ready to be adapted and piloted in the market.


What Are Companies Looking For?

Tourism Advance focuses on four key pillars driving the future of hospitality:


  1. Smarter Hospitality Operations: Automation, workflow optimization, task management, and boosting team productivity.  

  2. Enhanced Tourist Experience: Seamless guest journeys—from booking, personalized discovery, and digital check-ins to post-stay engagement.  

  3. Data, Revenue & Predictive Intelligence: Smart pricing, demand forecasting, occupancy analytics, and data-driven decision-making.  

  4. Sustainability & Resource Efficiency: Energy and water optimization, waste reduction, and eco-friendly solutions that drive efficiency without compromising guest comfort.  


The Journey: What to Expect

  • Application Window: Open now through August 23.  

  • Startup Selection: September 1 – September 10.  

  • Matchmaking Sessions: September 14 – September 22.  

  • Bootcamps & Pilot Development: October 1 – October 22.  

  • Demo Day: October 29.  


Ready to Scale Your Solution?

If you have a solution that can make hospitality smarter, greener, and more guest-centric, don't miss this opportunity.  


👉 Apply now before August 23 at tourismadvance.pt and take your startup to the next level!



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