Expedia Group Working With Tech Startups to Make Travel More Accessible
Skift Take
In Expedia’s move to inch the travel industry toward equitability, the company is helping startups solve their own problems and learning from them in the process. And the startups are learning from each other, too.
Travel Tech Briefing
Editor’s Note: Exclusive reporting on technology’s impact on the travel industry, delivered every Thursday. The briefing will guide executives as they decide if their companies should “build, buy, or partner” to stay ahead.As the founder of a short-term rental software platform dedicated to people with disabilities, Lorraine Woodward said she sees a lot of lip service about accessibility from big travel companies.
While many companies have internal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, all of them arguably are lacking when it comes to services for travelers. And it takes action — not just words — to make a difference.
That’s why she is optimistic that her new partnership with Expedia Group could lead to an industry change.
Her company, Becoming Rentable, is one of 12 travel tech startups that are part of the first cohort of Expedia Group’s new Open World Accelerator program.
“I believe that when a company makes this type of commitment, then others will follow. But we need a leader, and I believe that Expedia is going to be that — with our help,” Woodward said.
Learning from Each OtherBecoming Renta
