NEW YORK – Travel industry research authority Phocuswright Inc. has announced the award winners of The Travel Innovation Summit, held on Nov. 11, the first day of The Phocuswright Conference in Los Angeles, Calif. Each year, 32 innovators are selected to demonstrate groundbreaking applications and solutions that are set to change the travel industry. The winners represent the best of this elite group.
"New travel startups and legacy travel companies alike are finding incredible ways to push the travel industry to new heights – making travel easier for both the consumer and the company," said Phocuswright vice president, research, Douglas Quinby. "This year's presenting companies are amongst the most exciting we've seen present to date at The Travel Innovation Summit, and we look forward to seeing each make a greater impact on the travel industry in the future."
Winners are chosen by a panel of judges comprised of travel and technology experts, who determine the top innovation in each of three categories – startup, emerging and established. Awards were also presented for the $100,000 General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation and the Brand USA Marketing Innovation Award. Attendees of The Phocuswright Conference determined The Travel Innovation Summit People's Choice Award.
Winners
- The General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation: PassportCard International
- The Brand USA Award for Travel Marketing Innovation: bd4travel GmbH
- The 2014 Travel Innovation Summit People's Choice Award: Options Away
- The Most Innovative Startup Company: VacationFutures
- The Most Innovative Emerging Company: PassportCard International
- The Most Innovative Established Company: WorldMate Inc.
Runners-up
- The General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation: Mozio
- The 2014 Travel Innovation Summit People's Choice Award: Nor1
- Innovative Startup Company: TableGrabber
- Innovative Emerging Company: Options Away
- Innovative Established Company: Amadeus
Finalists
- Innovative Startup Company: Tripscope
- Innovative Emerging Company: Distil Networks and Mozio
- Innovative Established Company: Nor1
"The Phocuswright Travel Innovation Summit has a long history of identifying companies that are transforming the travel industry by applying cutting-edge technology to innovative business models," said Joel Cutler, managing director of General Catalyst Partners. "We've had the good fortune of investing in some of the travel industry's leading technology companies and by bringing our experience to the table, we can help ensure that the great ideas uncovered at The Travel Innovation Summit have the resources they need to succeed. PassportCard International is a perfect example of innovation at work, and we're excited to watch and help them become one of the next successful brands in travel."
"As the national tourism marketing organization of the United States of America, we view innovation through a specific lens. Through our partnership with Phocuswright and as a sponsor of The Travel Innovation Summit, we are able to connect with an incredible range of talent. The Brand USA Marketing Innovation Award demonstrates our commitment to companies that are driving the future of tourism marketing," said Carroll Rheem, vice president, research and analytics for Brand USA.
