Collinson Group today announces a partnership with Traveltech Lab, the UK’s first incubator for early-stage travel technology companies. Traveltech Lab is a global hub for innovation in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, which connects start-ups with established industry leaders.  The partnership gives Collinson Group and its clients access to a vibrant network of travel technology start-ups.  Collinson Group brings insight and commercial knowledge based on 25 years’ experience of consumer travel behaviour and programmes with companies such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, InterContinental Hotels Group, MasterCard, VISA and American Express.

The three-year agreement will see Collinson Group and Traveltech Lab hosting pitch evenings for start-ups seeking commercial support in areas of interest to Collinson Group and its clients, brokering introductions and organising a ‘Future of Travel Technology’ seminar.

Collinson Group has a history of innovation in travel, having introduced Priority Pass, the world’s first airport lounge membership programme. It was the first company to sell travel insurance direct to UK consumers and to introduce travel insurance kiosks at airports through Columbus Insurance.  Collinson Group has also pioneered new loyalty programmes and earning and redemption platforms for airlines and hotels.  More recently, Collinson Group introduced the world’s first digitally delivered, real-time travel assistance service, which includes providing lounge access for travellers suffering delays at airports worldwide.

Collinson Group will work with Traveltech Lab start-ups to identify and nurture a new generation of innovative travel products and services, building on its existing products and relationships. Traveltech Lab start-ups will gain access to some of the industry experts behind these established products and services, helping them to bring new propositions to market across multiple sectors including airlines, hotel operators, banks, card networks and insurance.

Traveltech Lab was created by London & Partners, the Mayor’s promotional company for London and The Trampery, specialists in innovative spaces to drive creativity and entrepreneurship. Traveltech Lab’s goal is to reinforce London’s position as one of the most attractive international hubs for innovation and technology talent and it has connections to over 200 start-ups.  Examples include Btrfly, an app which connects air travellers who are on the same flight or passing through the same airport for social or business networking, and Kompas, which uses smart algorithms and deep learning to present tailored reviews and recommendations based on traveller’s personal interests.

“Technology is an integral part of today’s travel experience, from booking via Skyscanner and AirBnB, through to electronic boarding passes and digital concierge services at the airport and interactive city guides at a destination” says Peter Dingle, Innovation Director, Collinson Group.  “This will continue to accelerate as we see smarter, more personalised and contextually relevant travel services.  We look forward to working with our clients and some of the brightest and best start-ups to conceive and bring new propositions to market.”

Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners comments: ““London is Europe’s largest tech hub and one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, making it the leading global centre for travel technology companies. The success of London’s tech sector has been built on a strong culture of collaboration. Since the launch of the Traveltech Lab, a number of companies have significantly grown their businesses through support from the Lab’s network of industry leaders. I am delighted that Collinson Group is joining a powerful group of existing partners and we look forward to working with them to help the next generation of travel tech companies expand in London.”

Charles Armstrong, Founder of The Trampery said “Since its launch two years ago Traveltech Lab has supported over 60 brilliant start-ups with our members raising over £19m in investment, cementing London’s reputation as a centre of excellence for travel technology. The agreement with Collinson Group strengthens our collection of trusted and experienced partners, helping us further bridge the gap between established corporations and technology start-ups.”