Marriott Hotels, in its continued effort to find cutting-edge technologies that provide guests with the best, has now launched its TestBed programme in the Middle East and Africa.

First launched by Marriott Hotels across Europe in 2016, the unique 10-week accelerator programme gives start-ups the opportunity to test their products within an operating Marriott Hotel in a major city. The programme is open to seed and early stage start-ups with products or services that are ready to pilot in a live hotel environment. It offers them an invaluable opportunity to gain worthwhile feedback from guests and associates to help further develop and perfect their product.

Participating start-ups are hand-picked in an effort to uncover those that can revolutionise a guest’s stay, reinventing the hotel experience throughout the region. Those selected will also be offered mentoring and global exposure. While the start-ups are not required to relocate for the duration of the programme, they may need to travel since the majority of this period will be spent in action within a Marriott Hotel. Interested parties can learn more or submit an application via https://www.wamda.com/marriott-testbed-mea. This will be the first year that the initiative is available in the region, and the programme will begin its roll-out in the UAE.

Commenting on the unique opportunity, Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president of Premium and Select Brands, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, said: “It’s an exciting chance for us to revolutionise the hotel experience in the region, all while supporting start-ups that are ready to spark game-changing innovation. There is a wealth of talent out there, and we’re looking forward to learning from each other as Marriott continues to lead the way in shaping the future of travel with technology.”

The launch comes shortly after Marriott Hotels’ partnership with TED - the non-profit devoted to ideas worth spreading – to bring creatively curated TED Talks, blogs, and more to hotel guests worldwide, in an effort to give Marriott Hotels guests access to thought-provoking and inspirational content to help jumpstart their own inventive thinking.

“Travel enriches our mindset and inspires new ways of thinking, and we know that today’s traveller seeks more from a hotel experience than just a great place to stay. Through these forward-thinking programmes, we aim to take their experience to the next level by offering them an innovative, thought-provoking, and inspiring environment within the comfort and luxury that they trust,” said Schulze-Potgieter. - TradeArabia News Service