100+ pitches. 19 countries. One pitch studio on the Arival Spokane show floor. And one idea that has grabbed the top prize.
In May, Launchpad Europe asked operators to pitch their next big experience idea. This autumn, we took it across the Atlantic – and gave it a spotlight.
“When we started Launchpad in Europe, we wanted to back operators at the moment an idea needs it most, before it’s even an experience. Taking it to the Americas reminded us once again that innovation is the foundation of the experiences industry. At Bókun, our goal is to provide operators with the tools to bring their ideas to life, which is why Launchpad is so close to our heart.” – Ian Macleod, Marketing Director, Bókun.
Lights, camera, pitch
At Arival Spokane, we turned a booth into a live pitch studio. Cameras, lights, mic – the full set up. Operators took a deep breath, straightened their shoulders and faced the lens to pitch their idea. No scripts. Just pure enthusiasm.
Everyone else pitched from wherever the inspiration hit them: their kitchen table, at the end of a tour, running between appointments. Phone poised, record pressed and submitted.
From 100+ entries, 5 made the shortlist. They pitched live to our judges: 5 minutes to sell their idea, 10 minutes of questions to defend why it’s going to be the next bestseller.
The winner: She Was Here, New York – Nikki & Beth
She Was Here uncovers the women’s stories that history forgot. Nikki and Beth’s enthusiasm during the pitch was infectious, and her ambition to take the tour across the US and beyond was backed by a clear picture of her customer – and the feeling she wants every guest to leave with.
They walk away with the full Launchpad Accelerator package:
- $10,000 USD cash prize to bring her idea to life
- 12-month free Bókun START subscription + 0% booking fees on her winning product
- 12-month commission-free distribution with Viator & Airbnb on the winning product
- 2 tickets to an Arival event of her choice
- 12-month Tourpreneur PRO membership + TripSchool place
- 1-to-1 strategy session with Brand USA
- A featured video case study, plus an experience video for her own use
- Dedicated onboarding and support from the Bókun team
“She Was Here is a fresh take on a history tour, and it taps straight into travellers’ appetite for meaningful, story-led experiences. What stood out was Nikki’s passion for bringing these women’s stories to light, backed by a clear plan to take the tour beyond New York. Great story, real passion, room to scale: that’s the kind of experiences we love to see at Viator.” – Sarah Dines, CCO, Viator.
What ingredients are needed for a winning pitch
Every pitch was scored on five areas: innovation, operational feasibility, traveller fit, commercial viability and the pitch itself. Janette Roush from Brand USA put her finger on what set the best apart:
“The strongest Launchpad pitches found a fresh angle on something travellers already love, and the best of them came with proof people will book it. For operators, that’s the formula – a focused idea plus early evidence of demand is what turns a new experience into a bestseller.” – Janette Roush, SVP, Innovation & Chief AI Officer, Brand USA
A fresh angle. Proof of demand. If you’re building the next experience, start there.
Runners Up
Peruvian Breakfast Experience, Lima – Jessy, Exquisito Peru. Why wait until after breakfast for your day to begin? Jessy is flipping the food tours on its head, so travellers start their day with a taste of traditional Peruvian breakfast.
Rhythms of Resilience Tour, Rio de Janeiro – Atila, Samba Tours. Atila takes travellers to the heart of Brazil’s history, through UNESCO sites, Little Africa, and the birthplace of Carioca samba. Then it’s your turn: loosen up those hips to traditional music.
Both took the judges right to the final scorecard.
The final five
- Mexico City in the 70s, Mexico City – Jen, Side Routes.
- Taste the Rockies, Banff – Tito, Rocky Mountain Trips Inc.
Out of 100+ entries, five made the live final. That’s not a near miss. That’s a launch waiting to happen.
“I went into the final expecting a few ideas that were still taking shape. Instead, I saw five operators who had really thought it through, from who their guests are to how they’d make it work. Picking a winner wasn’t easy, and I can’t wait to see all of them come to life.” – Jennie Peacock-Putt, General Manager, Bókun.
The panel
Eight brands. One final scorecard. Our judges came from Bókun, Viator, Airbnb, Arival, Tourpreneur, Travel Trends Podcast, Gray Line and Brand USA. Thank you for your time, your questions and your instincts. And thank you to Arival for giving Launchpad a stage in Spokane.
“What I really enjoyed about being part of the Launchpad judging panel was seeing the range of ideas and the passion behind them. There’s so much creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among operators in our industry, but turning a great idea into a successful business isn’t always easy. Having spent so many years in the industry, it’s always exciting to see fresh ideas and the people behind them. That’s why initiatives like Launchpad are so valuable, giving operators the support, exposure and opportunities to take that next step.” – Griffin Hanbury, CEO, Gray Line
Your idea is next
Didn’t enter this time? Didn’t make the shortlist? Build it anyway. The hardest part of any experience is deciding if it’s worth deciding it’s worth doing – and you’ve already done that.
“Launchpad is one of the most exciting initiatives I’ve seen in our industry, it’s so simple: fund innovation where it counts – on the human level of designing and delivering new kinds of travel experiences, expanding the market and operators’ ideas for what’s possible.” – Mitch Bach, Partner, Tourpreneur.
Two Launchpads down. Watch this space…
Ready to launch your next experience? Start your free Bókun trial.