On June 27, 2017 : Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, research start-ups specialising in technology from the most innovative to join its acceleration programme european TestBED, for helping to shape the future the world of tourism. This program, with 2017 being the second edition, gives the chance to the startups to grow and improve under the guidance of experts, and implement and manage their project within the portfolio of hotels of Marriott Hotels in Europe.
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This year, Marriott Hotels search startups in the following areas to help innovate and think about the customer experience in a creative way :
The experience in the room
Transforming the customer experience in general, in and outside of the hotel
Help guests thrive and find inspiration
According to the existing studies that relate to the industry, it is now the time to invest in the future of travel technology. 2016 has recorded record figures in connection with the investment in the technology of travel. Indeed, consumers are increasingly looking towards digital solutions to improve their experiences. 2016 also marked the launch of the first hotel “live beta” of Marriott Hotels in North Carolina – an incubator and a testing ground for new concepts and technologies and to obtain customer feedback in real-time. As a company engaged in the innovation, TestBED has naturally been created and enables Marriott Hotels to have its place in the future of travel.
Startups interested can submit their ideas via MarriottTestBED.com if they are startups in the startup phase, or with products or services ready to market. Participants must also be willing to pilot the product in Europe. Eight of the startups are then short-list and must present their project to a panel of experts, including Georgie Barrat, the presenter of The Gadget Show, and other members at Marriott, occupying key posts. The presentations will take place on 22 and 23 August 2017.
The three most promising businesses will become part of a ten-week program in which they will pilot their product or service at one of the hotels Marriott Hotels in Europe. They will also benefit from a programme of mentoring and bespoke training, offered by the leaders in the industry.
“Marriott Hotels aims to be at the forefront of innovation and TestBED offers the pitch perfect test to find, nurture, and test cutting-edge products that have the power to transform the travel and hotel experience,” said John License, Vice-President of the Premium brands & Select in Europe, Marriott International.
“TestBED is a powerful platform that offers startups the invaluable opportunity to leverage our operational know-how and test their products in an environment that is hotel direct, while exposing us to the creativity and vision that is present in the world of startups “.
Charles Cadbury, CEO of Dazzle, a personal assistant voice activated in the room, one of the two winning innovation of TestBED 2016, said : “We would not be where we are today without the TestBED, that is a fact. The speed with which we have developed our knowledge of the market and the users ‘ comments would not have been the same if we had not had the support of Marriott Hotels. In addition, to be able to say that Marriott has been of interest to Dazzle gave us a real credibility and has opened many doors.”
Marriott Hotels has spent the past few years to improve and develop his product and his experiences to lead the future of travel. By doing this, Marriott Hotels has engaged the creative community on many occasions, and has developed programs allowing entrepreneurial talent to prosper in global business. Marriott TestBED is the innovative program to engage with this community the most recent, after CANVAS in 2015, an incubator project that engaged employees Marriott or the local entrepreneurs to fill the unused space in the Marriott hotels in the city center.
About Marriott Hotels
On the strength of its 500 hotels and resorts in nearly 59 countries, Marriott Hotels is reinventing the art of travel in its minutest details, to better meet the expectations of the new generations. The concept of “Travel Brilliantly” puts in place a new experience, where mobility, relaxation and work combine perfectly. Marriott’s focus is on innovations such as the Greatroom, Future of Meetings and Mobile Guest Services that are part of beautiful style, design and technology.
All Marriott hotels participate in the loyalty program Marriott Rewards, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link their accounts on members.marriott.com for a match instant Elite status and a transfer of points unlimited. For more information, please visit www.MarriottHotels.com. Stay connected to Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter and @marriotthotels on Instagram.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ : MAR) is the largest hotel group in the world whose headquarters are located in Bethesda, Maryland, United States. The group has more than 6,100 hotels in more than 124 countries. Marriott manages, and franchises hotels and provides licenses to resorts to vacation private. 30 signs leaders of the group include : Bulgari Hotels and Resorts®, Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by MarriottSM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy Hotels® and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The group also manages loyalty programs award-winning : Marriott Rewards®, which includes the Ritz-Carlton Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, visit our web site : www.marriott.com To discover the latest group news, visit the page www.marriottnewscenter.com and follow @MarriottIntl.
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