TAT Partners with depa, NIA, SME D Bank, and Other Organizations to Launch the Travel Tech Startup 2024 Project, Promoting Technology and Innovation Entrepreneurs to Compete for Prizes Worth Over 350,000 Baht and Benefits from Partners

TAT Partners with depa, NIA, SME D Bank, and Other Organizations to Launch the Travel Tech Startup 2024 Project, Promoting Technology and Innovation Entrepreneurs to Compete for Prizes Worth Over 350,000 Baht and Benefits from Partners

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), and various partner organizations, has launched the Travel Tech Startup 2024 project. This initiative aims to promote Travel Tech Startup entrepreneurs and equip them with marketing tools, providing opportunities for potential business growth. Participants will compete for prizes worth over 350,000 Baht and benefits from partners.

Miss Wennapa Keatipongsa, Executive Director Tourism Investment Promotion Department at TAT, stated that the current Thai tourism sector faces numerous challenges, including a slowing global economy, increased competition from countries offering diverse and attractive travel packages, and changing traveller behaviours seeking unique experiences. These factors necessitate the Thai tourism industry to adapt to the needs of a new generation of travellers who prioritize sustainability and experiential tourism. To maintain Thailand's position as a top global destination, TAT recognizes Travel Tech as a crucial tool in enhancing tourist experiences. The Travel Tech Startup 2024 project offers a platform for innovative entrepreneurs, app developers, and online platform creators to present their work and connect with partners to support sustainable business growth. With a growing number of Travel Tech entrepreneurs, the accessibility and convenience of travel information and services will improve, enhancing the overall tourist experience. This initiative is expected to boost Thailand's competitiveness in the global market and attract quality tourists worldwide.

Ms. Nitapha Inchai, Team Leader of Digital Startup Institute Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) emphasized depa's commitment to driving digital transformation in the Thai tourism sector through the Travel Tech Startup 2024 project. The initiative promotes using digital technology to create new opportunities and strengthen the tourism industry, a pillar of the national economy. Designed to stimulate the growth of technology startups in tourism, this project supports the development of innovative ideas that can add value to tourist experiences. depa believes that with government support and collaboration from all sectors, a favourable digital ecosystem will be established, enabling sustainable economic and social development for Thai startups, leading to broader market access and the presentation of technologies that meet the needs of modern tourists.

Mr. Pariwat Wongsamran, Deputy Executive Director of innovation system, National Innovation Agency (NIA) stated that NIA is committed to fostering innovation to bring about sustainable change in Thailand's tourism sector. Under the TAT Travel Tech Startup 2024 project, NIA aims to support startups with the potential to apply technology to enhance and elevate the tourism industry. NIA believes technology and innovation are crucial to creating positive and memorable tourist experiences and improving tourism businesses' efficiency at all levels. The agency aims to create an ecosystem conducive to the growth of tourism startups by providing resources and networking opportunities with experts both domestically and internationally, enabling them to compete globally and positioning Thailand as a hub of tourism innovation in the region.

Ms. Suchada Cotesin, Deputy Vice President Entrepreneur Development and Support Department at SME D Bank, highlighted the importance of financial support for entrepreneurs amid global economic uncertainties and complex challenges. SME D Bank is committed to providing comprehensive financial support to startups and Travel Tech entrepreneurs with favorable conditions and services tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage. The bank focuses on creating a flexible financial system to enhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs in the global market. This support is expected to strengthen the capabilities and sustainability of tourism businesses while fostering stable growth in the Thai economy.

The Travel Tech Startup 2024 project is now open for applications from tech startups with established operations and proven growth seeking to expand in the tourism industry. The project aims to create business development and growth opportunities while enhancing market access. The shortlisted candidates will be announced on October 17, 2024, to participate in activities including Founder First Date and two Online Bootcamps in October and November 2024. Finalists will present their projects on Opportunity Day at SCBX NEXT TECH, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon, on November 26, 2024, competing for cash prizes and various benefits from partners. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of 200,000 Baht, the second-place winner of 100,000 Baht, and the third-place winner of 50,000 Baht, along with additional benefits from partner organizations. The project is also supported by numerous partners, including the United Nations Global Compact Network Thailand (UNGCNT), Techsauce Media Co., Ltd. (Tech Sauce), Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC), Dentsu (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., SIAM PARAGON SCBX NEXT TECH, and media partners including the Thai Startup Trade Association, Mission To The Moon, greenery.org, and The States Times.

Interested startup entrepreneurs utilizing innovation and technology, app developers, and online platform creators are invited to join the Travel Tech Startup 2024 competition. Details can be found at www.TATstartup.com and the TAT Startup Thailand Facebook Page. Applications are open from September 5, 2024, to October 4, 2024.