An important international reference to the Capsule^T Travel & Hospitality Accelerator of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels comes through the OECD’s new study, “Using Incubators and Accelerators to Support Travel and Tourism Start-ups”, which examines the role of incubators and accelerators in the development of entrepreneurship and innovation in tourism.

The study maps approximately 70 tourism-related incubation and acceleration initiatives across European Union and OECD countries, examining how they support startups, the different approaches they follow, as well as the challenges that continue to exist within tourism innovation ecosystems.

Among the initiatives examined is Capsule^T, with the study highlighting different aspects of its work and presence within the Greek tourism and innovation ecosystem.

Accelerators as a Link Between Startups and the Tourism Market

According to the study, travel and tourism startups can make a meaningful contribution to the transformation of the sector by introducing new business models, digital tools, and solutions that respond to the evolving needs of the market and travellers.

At the same time, however, they face significant challenges: from access to funding and specialised mentoring to developing the right skills and being able to expand their solutions beyond a local market or an initial pilot.

In this environment, accelerators take on a broader role. Beyond supporting the businesses themselves, they can act as a link between startups, established tourism businesses, investors, public-sector organisations, and destinations, creating the conditions for new solutions to be tested and brought to market.

Capsule^T and the Digital Transformation of Greek Tourism

Of particular importance is the way the paper positions Capsule^T within this broader environment.

The accelerator is included among the specialised initiatives that provide targeted support to startups with products and services for the tourism sector. In fact, the study describes it as a key part of Greece’s efforts to modernise tourism through digitalisation, highlighting the role that specialised tourism accelerators can play in fostering a stronger culture of innovation.

Its connection with the tourism market itself is also a separate point of reference. The study highlights the fact that Capsule^T is an initiative of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, noting that this model ensures a direct connection with the hospitality sector and its needs.

As examples of the practical impact of this approach, the study refers to Campsaround, Vivestia, and Hotellisense, startups that have been part of the Capsule^T ecosystem and have developed digital solutions for different challenges in tourism and hospitality - from online visibility and guest experience to operational efficiency and the use of AI.

From the First Ideas to the Startups’ Next Steps

Capsule^T’s presence in the study is not limited to the Acceleration Program.

Special reference is made to the Idea Platform, through which the program reaches students, recent graduates, and postgraduate researchers from across Greece who are still in the early stages of developing a business idea. Together with the Acceleration Program for early-stage travel & tourism startups, this presents a support pathway that begins from the very first steps of entrepreneurship.

Equally important is the reference to what comes next after the completion of an acceleration cycle. In the context of the discussion around the importance of alumni communities and continuity of support, the study points out that Capsule^T’s relationship with its teams does not end when the program is completed. It specifically refers to the continued promotion of the teams that distinguish themselves, both in Greece and abroad, including through official delegations to international trade shows.

At the same time, looking to the future, the OECD also uses Capsule^T as an example of a national initiative that could be connected even more closely with similar European programs, creating clearer pathways from the national ecosystem to international growth and the scaling of startups.

Recognition for What We Are Building Together

Capsule^T’s presence in this study is particularly meaningful to us, not only because the program is featured among initiatives from different countries and tourism ecosystems, but also because the study highlights elements that have been at the core of its philosophy from day one: connecting technology and entrepreneurship with the real needs of tourism, bringing startups into contact with the market, and building a community that continues to support them throughout their journey.

It is also worth noting that, through the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels/HOTREC, the accelerator participated in the OECD–European Commission Webinar on Incubators and Accelerators to Support Travel and Tourism Start-ups, held in December 2025, which was one of the sources that contributed to this study.

This reference represents important recognition of the effort that has been made over all these years, while also giving us another reason to continue creating more opportunities for new ideas, more bridges to the tourism market, and more pathways for growth for the startups in our ecosystem.

We would like to thank the OECD for the several references, the Ministry of Tourism for the collaboration and support, and, of course, everyone who has supported and continues to support this effort: our startups, mentors, experts, partners, and Capsule^T supporters. They are all an integral part of the community we have been building over the years and of its continued growth and evolution.

Because every new team, every collaboration, and every solution that finds its way to the market is another step towards a more innovative and competitive tourism sector.