11 tourism firms can use MIST project
11 tourism firms can use MIST project
Eleven innovative tourism startups from Việt Nam have qualified for the Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism (MIST) Startup Accelerator programme.
The announcement was made on Wednesday (April 19) by the Mekong Business Initiative (MBI) and Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO).
The US-based Travel Startups Incubator screened applications based on their potential for investment and the quality of their business plans.
MBI experts performed additional due diligence, considering sustainability and other socio-economic criteria.
Finally, selections were verified in partnership with the Danang City Incubator (DNES).
More than 250 travel tech and traditional tourism startups submitted applications to the MIST programme.
Qualifying startups will advance to a MIST Startup Accelerator bootcamp from May 5-7, 2017 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, along with six innovative tourism startups from Cambodia and Myanmar.
“MIST promotes sustainable tourism, giving innovative startups the potential to transform travel in one of the most dynamic regions on earth,” said Jens Threanhart, executive director of MTCO.
Dominic Mellor, head of MBI, said, “We’re proud of this batch of startups. They are fueling the right kind of tourism growth that positively impacts the tourism experience and local communities.”
Approximately half of all Startup Accelerator finalists, selected by mentors, will advance from the bootcamp to an investor showcase at the Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang on June 6.
Startups will present their business plans to media, investors and an expert judging panel. Four of them will be chosen to receive innovation grants of US$7,000-10,000 each.
