Bókun, a Tripadvisor company and a travel tech booking management company, is looking for the next bestselling experience idea, and they’re offering a prize worth over $10,000 to bring it to life.
With consumers increasingly demanding more unique, immersive experiences, and overtourism driving travellers to seek out hidden gems and more human connection experiences, the opportunity to spotlight and support the next generation of experience providers has never been more important.
Experience-led travel is rapidly emerging as one of travel’s fastest-growing markets, projected to exceed over $342 billion by 2029.1 Bókun is championing innovation, powering the experience industry and supporting ideas that deserve to be seen, booked and remembered.
From 1 May, Bókun is launching a new competition that gives tour operators across Europe the chance to turn their next big experience idea into reality, pitching directly to some of the biggest names in travel.
Think Dragon’s Den for experience operators. Bókun has partnered with a panel of industry experts, including Viator, GetYourGuide, Arival, Tourpreneur, Travel Trends Podcast and Gray Line, to offer one experience operator the chance to transform their future.
Through the Launchpad Accelerator Package, the winner will receive the tools, exposure, and support to turn their idea into a scalable, standout business. This includes:
- 12-month free Bókun START subscription and 0% booking fees on the winning experience
- 12-month commission-free distribution on the winning product with Viator and GetYourGuide
- 2 free tickets to Ariva 2027 with Spark Point Connection stand (worth $10,000)
- Free 12-month Tourpreneur PRO membership and TripSchool place
- A featured video case study shot by our videographer
- Dedicated support from Bókun and increased marketing from OTA partners
- Additional marketing from GetYourGuide and Viator for the winning product
And, to help bring your idea to life, those who enter will also receive a $10,000 USD cash prize. The Bókun Launchpad Competition is open to operators building or growing an experience across Europe, including:
- Start-ups: Early-stage European operators with a strong concept, seeking funding, strategic connections and distribution opportunities.
- Hidden gems: Established operators ready to launch their next niche, high-potential experience.
- Scalers: Larger operators looking to expand into new locations, products or formats.
Ian Macleod, Director of Marketing at Bókun, said, “We know that travel is changing. Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking unique, immersive experiences beyond destinations alone. At the same time, overtourism has created a saturated market that is difficult to break through. That’s why we’re proud to launch the Launchpad Competition, in partnership with Viator, GetYourGuide, Arival, Tourpreneur, Travel Trends Podcast and Gray Line.
“Think Dragons Den for experience operators. Together, we’re championing innovation by offering experience providers the opportunity to pitch their concept to a panel of the leading names in the travel industry, all looking to back the next best-selling experience idea. So, whether you’re a start-up with bold ideas but limited reach, or an established operator looking to expand into new destinations or develop your next bestseller, this is your chance to turn your concept into a scalable, standout business.”
For those tour, activity and experience providers who would like to get involved, find out more on how to enter here.
Sources
- https://arival.travel/research/the-outlook-for-travel-experiences-2019-2029/
