November 21st marks a turning point for the tourism tech ecosystem. The 3rd edition of the France Tourism Tech program will be officially launched in Paris, accompanied by the UN Tourism Tech Adventure: France competition. For tourism innovation stakeholders, this is more than just an event: it potentially represents a new era. Here's what you need to know → and what it means for you.
Summary
A solid and already promising program
The France Tourism Tech program, led by the Directorate General for Enterprises (DGE), aims to foster the emergence of "tourism tech" champions in France. To date, two cohorts have already been launched: the first edition selected 15 startups from over 150 applications. Official results indicate more than 60 strategic connections between startups and large corporations, and a cumulative funding round estimated at approximately €25 million for the supported companies.
This 3rd edition marks a higher level: it expands the scope (beyond just start-ups), introduces a module dedicated to public procurement and strengthens the European dimension with an event planned in Brussels in the fall of 2025.
November 21st: busy morning, business afternoon
The launch program promises to be packed: starting at 9 a.m., participants will be welcomed, followed by a presentation from Thomas Courbe (Director General of Enterprises). This will be followed by feedback from the first two cohorts, a roundtable discussion on "Investing in Travel Tech," the presentation of the UN Tourism competition awards, a ministerial address, and the announcement of the winners. The afternoon will be dedicated to B2B meetings between startups, buyers, and investors—a rare opportunity to accelerate concrete partnerships.
Why this event is a game changer for tourism professionals
Here are three key impacts to keep in mind:
- Increased visibility: if you are a start-up or a tech tourism project, being present (or a winner) represents a strong label in the ecosystem.
- Concrete ecosystem: it is no longer just support, but networking, experimentation and bringing solutions to market (flow management, AI, connected objects, sustainability…).
- Strategic positioning: for operators, hoteliers, insurers or traditional players, this is an opportunity to rethink their value chain around tourism tech and to collaborate with innovative players.
Scenarios for your organization in relation to France Tourisme Tech
| Scenario | Assumption | Things to do for your business |
|---|---|---|
| Get actively involved | Are you applying or are you a partner? | Prepare a pitch, define a clear objective (experimentation, market, fundraising), mobilize your teams. |
| Observe and test | You are following along without yet being registered | Identify start-ups, map trends, prepare your network for next year. |
| Staying back | You are not making a commitment | Risk of being a spectator of a transformation without taking part in it → be careful not to be overtaken. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should we apply to France Tourisme Tech immediately?
Yes, if your project is already structured: the call for expressions of interest for the 3rd promotion is currently open on the website of the Ministry of Economy.
2. What type of company can participate?
Start-ups, micro-enterprises/SMEs or mid-sized companies based in France, with an innovative technology or service applicable to the tourism sector.
3. What topics are being researched?
Flow management, passenger experience, digital transition, sustainability, connected objects, AI… the spectrum is broad.
4. What if I am a non-tech player (e.g., hotelier, tour operator)?
Consider this program as a lever for innovation: identify a collaboration with a start-up or an internal pilot, rather than developing everything alone.
5. What follow-up will take place after the event of November 21st?
The real value lies in the implementation: experimentation, feedback from the field, and commercialization. Don't just settle for participation.
Concrete example: how an operator can profit
A regional hotel company can apply to partner with a winning startup from France Tourisme Tech to test a flow monitoring or energy optimization solution. This provides the company with support, increased visibility, and access to a broader network. The result? A differentiated positioning, access to new markets, and a return on investment. This model exemplifies the program's philosophy: connecting stakeholders to generate tangible value.
Key takeaways
- The keyword France Tourisme Tech embodies a structuring movement for tech in tourism.
- November 21st → a date not to be missed if you want to be an actor and not a spectator.
- For start-ups, it's a boost in visibility, partnerships and market entry.
- For traditional tourism players, this is an opportunity to innovate and strengthen their competitiveness.
- Plan ahead: define your project, mobilize your network and prepare your actions before/after the event.
Updates
The third edition of the France Tourism Tech program will be officially launched on November 21, 2025 in Paris. The program introduces a module on public procurement and a European network in Brussels, planned for autumn 2025.
Sources
- France Tourism Tech – DGE (Ministry of the Economy)
- Official press release – Launch of the 3rd edition of France Tourism Tech (Ministry of the Economy)
- Evenium – Registration for the launch event November 21, 2025
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