Turismo Costa del Sol has opened the call for applications for the eighth edition of its business acceleration programme, Costa del Sol Tourism Hub, an initiative aimed at startups and innovative companies in the tourism sector. This edition focuses on projects developing Artificial Intelligence solutions applied to tourism.
The accelerator is evolving into a specialised space for tourism technology, with the aim of providing an environment where innovation, real market conditions, and direct access to the industry converge. In this context, the Costa del Sol serves as a testing ground for the selected projects.
The programme is aimed at technology-based companies with a defined and scalable business model, either in a growth phase or at an advanced validation stage. In total, Turismo Costa del Sol will select up to 10 initiatives to take part in the acceleration process.
The accelerator offers a tailored programme combining strategic mentoring with experts from the tourism and technology sectors, one-to-one sessions with specialists in key areas, and direct connections with relevant stakeholders within the destination ecosystem. Participants will also receive support from the Málaga Business Angels Network in securing funding.
Priority areas of application include smart destination management, visitor experience, sustainability and efficiency, tourism marketing, business management, and the development of solutions linked to blue, cultural, and experiential tourism.
The CEO of Turismo Costa del Sol, Esperanza González, highlighted the importance of this initiative within the destination’s strategy. She stated that “this programme helps promote innovative projects that provide solutions to the tourism sector and contribute to its evolution.”
González also emphasised the focus of this edition, noting that “Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a key tool to improve competitiveness, efficiency, and the visitor experience.”
Since its launch, Costa del Sol Tourism Hub has accelerated a total of 70 companies, most of them technology-based and linked to different tourism segments. This track record consolidates the programme as a leading initiative in tourism innovation.
Selected projects will be eligible for the Turismo Costa del Sol Awards for Entrepreneurial Tourism Initiatives, which include €10,000 for the three best companies completing the programme. This incentive further supports the development and growth of participating initiatives.
Applications can be submitted via the accelerator’s website and will remain open until May 31. With this new edition, Turismo Costa del Sol continues to commit to innovation as a key driver for the development and positioning of the destination
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