Phocuswright Announces the Next Generation of Groundbreaking Travel Innovators

Travel industry research authority Phocuswright has announced the award winners of The Travel Innovation Summit, held on Nov. 17 and 18, during The Phocuswright Conference currently underway in Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Each year, innovative companies are selected to demonstrate groundbreaking applications and solutions that are set to change the travel industry. The winners represent the best of this elite group.

"Travel startups and legacy travel companies are pushing the envelope in terms of making travel easier for everyone," said Phocuswright's managing director, Tony D'Astolfo. "This year's presenting companies are amongst the most exciting we've seen demonstrate to date at The Travel Innovation Summit, and we look forward to seeing each make a greater impact on the travel industry in the future."

Winners are chosen by a panel of "Dragons" comprised of travel and technology experts, who determine the top innovation in three categories – Startup, Emerging and Established. One company was selected to win the Brand USA Award for Travel Marketing Innovation and one company was awarded the General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation, which comes with a $100,000 convertible note.

The People's Choice Award, as determined by attendee voting, will be announced Thursday, November 19, at 1:30 pm EST.

WINNERS
•   The General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation: Tansler Inc.
•   The Brand USA Award for Travel Marketing Innovation: Travefy
•   33entrepreneurs Best Team Award: Trekkable
•   The Most Innovative Startup Company: Proxce
•   The Most Innovative Emerging Company: Tansler Inc.
•   The Most Innovative Established Company: Revinate

RUNNERS-UP
•   Innovative Startup Company: Zizoo
•   Innovative Emerging Company: AirHelp
•   Innovative Established Company: Hipmunk

"The Phocuswright Travel Innovation Summit defines cutting-edge technology in the travel industry," said Joel Cutler, managing director of General Catalyst Partners. "By bringing our experience with investing in the newest technologies to the table, we can help ensure that the great ideas uncovered atThe Travel Innovation Summit have the resources they need to succeed. Tansler Inc. is a perfect example of innovation, and we're excited to help them become the next successful brand in travel."

"Through our partnership with Phocuswright and as a sponsor of The Travel Innovation Summit, we are able to connect with an incredible range of talent. The Brand USA Marketing Innovation Award demonstrates our commitment to fostering the future of tourism marketing," said Carroll Rheem, vice president, research and analytics for Brand USA. "The 2015 Brand USA Marketing Innovation Award was presented to Travefy for offering a rich, intuitive tool for travelers to plan trips together."

ABOUT THE COMPANIES
Proxce, a real-world federated identity manager, uses proximity-based, contactless identification for mobile check-in, service delivery and keyless entry at hotels. Using guest data, Revinate delivers personalized experiences that create valuable relationships and lifelong customers. Tansler Inc. is an online vacation rental marketplace that lets travelers name their price and allows hosts to compete for their stay. Travefyis a group travel planner that provides powerful collaboration tools for travel brands, suppliers and agents. Trekkablehelps mobility challenged travelers shop and book lodging alternatives to fit their needs without extra cost, time or effort.

View all Travel Innovation Summit demonstrations and more via the free online ticket. On-demand content is available through March 31, 2016.