Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, recently welcomed three new start-ups to its Start-Up Membership Program: CleverFi, HousMthr and Lake.com.
These start-ups are part of the newest generation of travel innovators creating products and services to enhance and streamline the travel experience, both for consumers and travel service suppliers.
As members of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, CleverFi, HousMthr and Lake.com will gain access to benefits geared towards early-stage start-up companies in the travel industry. Notably, this includes access to exclusive events with industry experts and angel investors, community events with other start-up founders and innovators, and a four-week Travel Tech Accelerator Program led by Matt Zito, Managing Director at TSi.
“At Travel Tech, we remain committed to supporting start-up founders to help them network and launch their companies,” Laura Chadwick said. “As our community of travel tech innovators continues to grow, we are excited to welcome start-ups like CleverFi, HousMthr and Lake.com as they shape the future of travel.”
The recent member additions come on the heels of a happy hour Travel Tech hosted during the Phocuswright Conference in San Diego. At the happy hour, attendees had the opportunity to connect and network in person with Travel Tech and start-ups in the area.
Learn more about joining Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program here.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted the second edition of its Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar.
During the hour-long virtual event, Travel Tech Start-Up Members pitched their companies’ new innovative services to angel investors, answered their questions, and received real-time feedback.
“Since its founding over 25 years ago, Travel Tech has been a proud supporter of travel tech innovators and start-ups as they shape the newest generation of travel,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel tech start-ups need access to investors who understand the travel market and the need for new innovative solutions to solve industry problems. We’re proud to serve as the convener between our Start-Up members and funders.”
At the end of the webinar, attendees were asked to select their preferred start-up pitch. CleverFi was rated as the strongest market potential and scalability, and most innovative solution to a real travel challenge, and Nowy was rated as the most personally compelling pitch.
Click here to learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program and its benefits like the quarterly Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinars, free access to Matt Zito’s four-week travel tech start-up accelerator program, and more.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is excited to welcome three new start-ups to its Advocate Member Program: Nowy, RoomRite and Walkntours.
These start-ups are part of the newest generation of travel tech innovators, utilizing the latest technologies to help travelers get the best experiences when planning or booking their trips. As Advocate members, they have access to benefits geared towards pre-seed and seed-level companies. These include connecting with fellow founders, mentors, and industry experts at monthly membership meetings, free access to the “Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program” developed by Matt Zito of TSi, participating in Travel Tech’s in-person and online events, and more. Additionally, Advocate members are featured on Travel Tech’s website with an Innovator Profile — learn out more about Nowy and Walkntours.
Nowy and Walkntours participated in Travel Tech’s inaugural Start-Up Summit and second annual Policy and Innovation Showcase earlier this year, where they had the opportunity to learn from and network with other travel technology entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
“Travel Tech was founded over twenty-five years ago by the original travel innovators, and we’re proud to support the newest generation through our Advocate program,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Membership provides emerging companies with the knowledge, community, and promotion and access they need to grow. We’re excited to welcome Nowy, RoomRite and Walkntours to our network and look forward to their impact on the future of travel.”
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – At Travel Tech’s recent Start-Up Summit, Matthew Stevens, Deputy Associate Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), pulled back the curtain on the agency’s tools and programs built specifically for innovation-driven startups—and the investors backing them too.
Whether you’re building new technology, looking for non-dilutive capital, or scaling into government contracting, you’ll want to explore programs like the SBIR grant, Growth Accelerator Fund, and SBIC investor network.
From $3.5B in annual innovation funding to local mentorship and training hubs across the country, these under-the-radar SBA programs can give your travel tech startup a real edge.
Fill out the form below for access to our exclusive Takeaways Brief from this SBA session, including:
Top funding opportunities you probably haven’t heard of
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will honor Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R, FL-12) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award at its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill on May 7th.
“We’re proud to recognize Senator Klobuchar and Rep. Bilirakis for their leadership in advancing public policies that promote transparency, competition, and innovation in the travel and tourism industry,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Their work has helped modernize the travel experience for consumers and drive the travel tech industry forward.”
Senator Klobuchar is a long-standing and tireless advocate for the travel and tourism industry. As co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, she has led bipartisan efforts to support and revitalize the sector. In 2021, Senator Klobuchar and fellow senators urged the Commerce Department to develop strategies for the industry’s recovery following the pandemic. Her work contributed to the release of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2022. More recently, Senator Klobuchar has led efforts to pass S. 314, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, to protect consumers from surprise mandatory fees and improve the travel experience.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis is a dedicated supporter of the travel and tourism industry and a leader on pro-innovation technology policy. As co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, he has worked to promote tourism both domestically and internationally. As the Subcommittee Chair for the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, Congressman Bilirakis continues to demonstrate thoughtful leadership on policy issues at the intersection of the tech and travel industries.
In addition to honoring Senator Klobuchar and Congressman Bilirakis with the Innovation Leadership Award, Travel Tech’s second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase will feature two panel discussions on the role of travel technology platforms in facilitating sports tourism and the unique challenges facing travel tech start-ups.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
January 30, 2025 – Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement in support of Michael Kratsios’ nomination to be the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy:
“Travel Tech joined with other tech leaders and organizations on a letter urging the Senate to confirm Michael Kratsios as director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.”
“Throughout his career, Michael Kratsios has championed innovation, fostered emerging technologies, and advanced policies that empower start-ups and entrepreneurs. His leadership in AI technologies and other critical sectors has helped build a regulatory environment where innovation thrives.”
“We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm his nomination and look forward to working together to promote innovation and ensure a fair and dynamic marketplace in the travel technology ecosystem.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, welcomed three new start-ups to its recently expanded Advocate Membership program: Mobi, Snowflake, and Hightouch.
Mobi, Snowflake, and Hightouch are part of the newest generation of travel technology innovators. They harness the power of AI and other advanced technologies to support travel service providers and their customers.
“At Travel Tech, we are committed to supporting the newest generation of travel technology leaders,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Our Advocate membership program provides start-ups and SMBs with the resources, connections, and advocacy they need to thrive. We’re thrilled to welcome Mobi, Snowflake, and Hightouch to our growing community and assist them as they shape the future of travel technology.”
Travel Tech’s expanded Advocate membership program offers direct and comprehensive support to the next generation of travel tech innovators. Benefits include monthly educational webinars led by travel tech industry experts, opportunities to network with and connect to other travel tech start-ups and SMBs, a subscription to Travel Tech’s monthly Innovation Policy Newsletter, and participation in Travel Tech events.
Interested in joining the growing Travel Tech community? Click here to learn more.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and advocate for public policy that promotes transparency, competition, and innovation, filed comments in response to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) joint request for information (RFI) on Competition in Air Transportation.
In its comments, Travel Tech details how the services its members and other intermediaries provide are essential to promoting airline price competition to benefit consumers. It also discusses current airline practices and policies about what pricing information can or cannot be conveyed to intermediaries, undermining price transparency. Travel Tech calls on the DOT and DOJ to address practices in the industry that result in a distorted marketplace.
“Ensuring transparency and competition in the travel industry is essential for empowering consumer choice and maintaining a fair marketplace,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech encourages DOT and DOJ to maintain and enhance measures that support transparency across all sales channels to ensure consumers have access to full information about fare options and services.”
Travel Tech’s comments also address the impact of airline consolidation over the last two decades, which has resulted in far fewer airline choices in smaller cities. With no alternatives, the single airline is free to charge consumers more for the price of a ticket on a specific route while also negating the need for price comparison tools.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 —The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry advocating for public policy that empowers consumer choice through marketplace transparency and competition, has hired Brandon Palumbo as its new Director of Policy and Government Relations. In this role, Palumbo will support the association’s work with the federal government.
Palumbo joins Travel Tech from Michael Best Strategies, where he worked on government relations, policy research and legislative affairs. Prior to his work at Michael Best Strategies, he served as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) and previously for U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).
“I am pleased to welcome Brandon to the Travel Tech Association,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Brandon will bring a depth of experience, passion for policy expertise, and understanding of tech policy issues impacting traveler choice to the role.”
“I’m excited to join Travel Tech to support its mission of empowering traveler choice,” said Brandon Palumbo. “I’m looking forward to applying my eight years of experience on and off Capitol Hill to support both policymakers and Travel Tech’s members.”
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Grassroots and PAC influence expert Amy Showalter shares insights with Industry Members
On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) hosted grassroots advocacy expert Amy Showalter to explain how travel tech industry members can reach policymakers and advocate for public policies to support their companies and the industry as a whole.
As discussed in the webinar, all companies – both large and small – can champion priorities and support Travel Tech’s efforts to ensure legislation and policies support our industry.
Below are the top five key takeaways from Showalter’s presentation:
1. Industry Expertise Matters.
Policymakers want and need to hear from experts who have information earned through on-the-ground experience. Travel tech industry members know their business better than elected officials and should use that knowledge to their advantage.
“There is a need for people like travel tech industry members doing the hard work, knowing what it is like to live these regulations and legislation on a day-to-day basis,” said Showalter. “The need for you to communicate the reality of that to legislators is important so they, number one, understand it and number two, can eventually support you.”
2. No Interaction Leads to No Change.
Legislators can’t take into account your company’s point of view of pending public policies unless you – or your trade association – are interacting with them. To legislators, “no news” means “good news”; they will assume everything is working well in the travel tech industry. If you don’t engage with policymakers, there won’t be any movement on the issues the industry is collectively championing.
3. Meet Policymakers Before the Problems Begin.
Lawmakers are reactive by nature, and who they see is who they remember. If there is a serious problem, you don’t want that to be the first time they’re interacting with you and the organization you represent. It’s important to proactively develop relationships with lawmakers and their staff.
“Provide consistently reliable information,” said Showalter when discussing the most effective lobbying activities that shape congressional members’ and staff decisions. “You don’t always have to say what they want to hear, but back it up with evidence and data. Be consistent. Be reliable. Be somebody they can count on.”
4. Tell a Compelling Story.
Humans understand stories, and there are scientific reasons that stories resonate. When advocating for your business in front of policymakers, think about your story.
“Is there a personal angle to this legislation that you can communicate? Lawmakers remember and want good stories,” Showalter said.
5. Get Involved with Your Trade Association
Companies are the travel tech industry’s best advocates, and the Travel Technology Association supports its member companies’ engagement with policymakers. Travel Tech’s new Advocate membership has several benefits, including education, public policy intelligence sharing, newsletter access, and the ability to promote company services and products in front of policymakers, including an upcoming Capitol Hill event in May.
For more information or questions about member benefits, visit our Join Us page.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
How to be an Advocate: Five Tips to Support Your Travel Tech Company in Washington, DC and Beyond
Tuesday, January 13, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the non-profit trade association representing leaders and innovators across the travel technology industry, is pleased to welcome three new companies to its Start-Up Membership Program: Alo Index, Chirrup, and Vibe Adventures. These early-stage companies are developing technology-driven solutions designed to make travel planning and experiences smarter, […]
