Provence Travel Innovation opens ninth call

Provence Travel Innovation (PTI) has launched its ninth call for applications, inviting startups, tourism companies, and project proposers to apply for support. The initiative aims to foster innovation in the tourism sector through various forms of assistance and collaboration.

Support includes mentorship and resources

Winners of the application process will receive nine months of free support, including a diagnostic audit, coaching, workshops, and ongoing follow-up. Each selected startup is paired with experienced entrepreneurs and connected with tourism partners, providing opportunities for experimentation and professional networking.

Themes focus on sustainability and technology

The targeted themes of the program include sustainable tourism, mobility, digitalization, data, and artificial intelligence. Other areas of focus are customer experience, the performance of tourism companies, new travel experiences, inclusion, and accessibility.

Application period and selection timeline

Applications are open from November 1, 2026, to midnight on November 30, 2026. A preliminary selection by the jury will take place on December 12, 2026. A day of workshops and a pitch contest for candidates will be held on February 5, 2027, with winners announced on February 10.

PTI’s history and partnerships

Since 2017, PTI has been managed by ESCAET, a business school specializing in tourism, in partnership with Provence Tourisme, the tourism development agency for the Bouches-du-Rhône department. The program has supported more than 65 startups and companies, including Bedboat, My Explore Bag, MooVert, Pampa Cruz, and Opty-O.

PTI emphasizes practical and expert support

Gaëtane Thurot, head of the incubator at ESCAET, highlighted in a press release that PTI’s strength lies in combining operational support, high-level mentoring, and direct access to the market in a sector they deeply understand. The program is set to begin in March 2027.