The strategies of Bercy to stimulate the growth of start-ups in the tourism sector

IN BRIEF Bercy launches the France Tourism Tech program. Support for innovative start-ups in travel tech. Identification of ten winners for the 2024-2025 edition. Goal: to promote solutions for flow management and environmental impact. Initiative includes mentorship and connections with partners. The program aims to catch up the technological lag of France compared to other countries. The sustainability of innovation support is in question due to new budgetary measures.

In a context where the tourism sector is being called to reinvent itself, Bercy is deploying several strategies aimed at boosting the growth of start-ups in this field. Through initiatives such as the France Tourism Tech program, the government is committed to supporting innovative companies that provide solutions to the challenges of travel tech. This text explores the mechanisms put in place to foster this growth, highlighting the opportunities offered to young companies.

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France Tourism Tech: a springboard for start-ups #

The France Tourism Tech program represents a key initiative from Bercy to support start-ups in the sector. Announced by the Minister Delegate for Tourism Economy, this program focuses on companies that offer solutions to contemporary tourism issues. The ten winners selected will receive a year of support, including invitations to national and international events as well as connections with major clients and foreign decision-makers.

Targeted support for specific challenges #

The program revolves around four major challenges: flow management and transportation, the environmental impact of tourism, baggage management, and data collection and management. These themes reflect the current challenges facing the sector and identify the necessary innovations. For instance, start-ups like Fairlyne, which proposes reselling non-refundable bookings, illustrate how new economic models can transform the tourism landscape.

Diverse and strategic support #

The winners of the program benefit from varied support. In addition to access to events, they also benefit from mentorship from European scale-ups. This additional support is essential for sharing best practices and fostering synergies among companies. The General Directorate of Enterprises (DGE) emphasizes that this initiative does not heavily impact the public budget while having a significant impact, as shown by the signing of numerous experimental contracts with major players in the sector.

Responding to international competitiveness #

Marina Ferrari, during her interventions, reported a slight lag for France in the field of travel tech compared to countries like Germany, which are heavily investing in tourism innovations. So far, the travel tech market has raised 143 million euros in 2023, but it remains fragmented and still fragile. Bercy aims to bridge this gap by energizing the ecosystem, which is essential to attract investments and talents.

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Challenges and opportunities on the horizon #

In an uncertain economic climate, the situation for start-ups is being tested. The recent announcement of the removal of certain innovation support measures has raised concerns within the ecosystem. Nevertheless, Minister Ferrari assures that discussions are underway to maintain support for innovation. This highlights the importance of a stable and conducive environment for start-ups to grow and innovate, especially during a crisis.

Bercy’s initiatives, such as France Tourism Tech, aim to create a positive momentum for young companies in the tourism sector. By combining financial support, mentorship, and access to influential networks, Bercy seeks to position France as a major player in travel tech. Through these efforts, the government is committed to transforming the tourism landscape while offering new perspectives to promising start-ups.