Seville hosts a global travel tech innovation contest at Touristech Fest 2025, where 40 cutting-edge startups will pitch their ideas to top investors and tourism executives from around the world. Taking place from October 22 to 24, the event forms a key part of the Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS), a major international forum aimed at reshaping the future of travel through technology.
Now in its latest edition, the Touristech Startup Fest is regarded as one of the premier platforms connecting emerging travel tech talent with venture capital and leading industry stakeholders. It has grown into a global stage for collaboration, disruption, and the pursuit of smarter, more sustainable tourism solutions.
Innovation in Motion: A Global Call to Action
The 2025 call for participation is officially open, inviting entrepreneurs with pioneering projects in artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, 5G, automation, and immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality. These innovations aim to tackle current challenges in travel, from operational efficiency to environmental sustainability and accessibility.
From over 400 expected applications, 40 standout startups will be selected to pitch live in Seville. Their presentations will be judged by a panel of international investors, venture capital funds, and senior tourism executives. Winners will gain access to acceleration programs, investor meetings, mentorship, and valuable business development opportunities.
According to event organizers, all submitted proposals will also be featured in the first-ever global atlas of tourism startups—giving participating companies global exposure well beyond the competition.
Key Event Details
- Event: Touristech Startup Fest 2025
- Dates: October 22–24, 2025
- Location: FIBES, Seville, Spain
- Finalists: 40 Travel Tech startups selected from 400+ applicants
- Deadline to Apply: September 20, 2025
Building the Future of Tourism
Touristech Startup Fest is not just a startup contest—it’s part of a much larger ecosystem hosted by TIS, which will bring together over 8,000 professionals from across the global tourism sector. The summit will feature an exhibition area with more than 200 technology providers and a congress series led by 400 international experts discussing digital transformation, sustainable development, and inclusive tourism practices.
Silvia Avilés, Director of the TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit, stated: “The innovation often comes from collaboration between startups and large companies. Touristech Startup Fest is the bridge that connects entrepreneurial talent with real business opportunities in a sector that never stops evolving.”
This year’s motto, “Innovation in motion, tourism reimagined,” captures the ambition of TIS2025 to serve as a global launchpad for ideas that redefine how we travel, interact with destinations, and measure the environmental and social impact of tourism.
Why Travel Tech Matters More Than Ever
The growing demand for smarter, more responsible travel has made technology a critical ally. From AI-powered personalization and predictive analytics to touchless check-ins and immersive virtual experiences, the next wave of tourism will be driven by startups capable of turning ideas into scalable solutions.
Touristech Startup Fest plays a strategic role in supporting this transformation by connecting innovators with capital and visibility. The exposure from pitching at such a prominent event not only helps startups grow but also accelerates the adoption of new tools across the travel value chain.
What Startups Can Expect
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Live Pitch | Finalists present to a jury of investors and tourism leaders |
| Networking | 1-on-1 meetings with venture capital firms and corporates |
| Acceleration | Access to programs offering mentorship and business support |
| Global Exposure | Inclusion in the world’s first tourism startup atlas |
A Chance to Lead Travel’s Tech-Driven Future
All startups interested in participating can register by September 20, 2025, via the official TIS portal. With a judging panel focused on innovation, scalability, and sector impact, the contest is expected to attract visionary thinkers from across continents.
As the travel industry continues to adapt to digital demands and sustainability imperatives, platforms like Touristech Startup Fest offer a rare and timely opportunity. For founders with bold solutions, the path to redefining global tourism may well start in Seville.
