WYSE Up!
Start, connect, grow
We are looking for the up-and-coming talent and product that is critical to the future of youth travel.
About
WYSEUp!
WYSE Travel Confederation’s development grant programme – WYSE Up! – is a worldwide challenge for innovative organisations new to our community, bringing them the chance for fast-track entrance to the heart of the global youth travel industry.
It is about uncovering the best new innovative solutions, to meet the changing needs of young travellers, and help our industry face the future in an efficient and sustainable way. Successful organisations will be provided with access to a wealth of resources, event funding, webinars and 1:1 sessions with a WYSE Up! Mentor.
How it works
Each organisation is specially selected for its potential, uniqueness and innovative ideas. Organisations can join the programme under one of the four priority challenges listed below.
Climate action
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Disruptor organisations
Underrepresented markets
What’s on offer
The mentor programme
A mentor will be selected from our community to provide you with the guidance you need to get ahead in the youth travel industry. Meetings will occur both online and in person at one of our events. They will help you to navigate the event and association, to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
Event funding
The successful candidates will have the registration fees and transport and accommodation costs covered to attend one of our youth travel industry annual conferences such as WYSTC, STAY WYSE and WETM-IAC.
Membership
Through a complimentary annual membership the successful candidate will receive access to a wide range of webinars, research publications, podcasts, connections with fellow members, and a go to WYSE Travel Confederation staff member to help you get the most out of your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WYSE Up!
WYSE Up! is a is a worldwide development grant programme run by WYSE Travel Confederation for startups and entrepreneurs with ground-breaking ideas that introduce compelling products or services to young travellers and the global youth travel industry.
How do I become a member?
Simply fill out the online application form and follow the instructions to pay your membership fee deposit. We will then guide you through the next steps.
Who can participate?
We invite organisations new to the WYSE Travel Community, from all stages of maturity, to participate with ideas, products and solutions which are relevant to one of the four challenges.
How do I apply?
To apply for a WYSE Up! grant please complete the following application form.
Who picks the WYSE Up! grant winners?
The WYSE Up! grant winners will be selected by senior WYSE Travel Confederation staff and approved by the WYSE Travel Confederation management board.
What can I win?
Successful organisations will receive unique and supported access to the youth travel community through a combination of a mentor programme, funding to attend events and association membership.
Which events are available to WYSE Up! grant winners?
Grant winners will have their attendance (registration, accommodation and travel) covered for one of the following events:
The World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC)
27 – 30 September 2022
Lisbon, Portugal
STAY WYSE Hostel Conference
26 – 27 January 2023
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Work Experience Travel Market and IAPA Annual Conference (WETM-IAC)
18 – 20 March 2023
Athens, Greece
For organisations already involved in the WYSE Travel Confederation community
Organisations already involved in youth travel who would like to provide support to this grant can get involved too, either through becoming a mentor or sponsoring a grant winner.
Upcoming Events
The hostel business conference
Amsterdam
January 2024
Work Experience Travel Market &
IAPA Annual Conference (WETM-IAC)
Krakow
16 – 18 March 2024
World Youth & Student Travel Conference (WYSTC)
Lisbon
13 – 15 September 2023