MARRIOTT BUZZ NO. 14 - 2018

20 E X C L U S I V E Last summer, the Cairo Marriott announced being the first hotel in Egypt to offer guests the use of Beachill mattresses, the winner of the Marriott International’s very own TestBED startup competition. Marriott International is always looking to the future when it comes to guest hospitality and implementing forward- thinking initiatives that help to give the Marriott brand its prestigious global reputation. Initially launched in Europe in 2016, the TestBED 10- week accelerator program is an influential incubator for entrepreneurship and innovation, aiming to offer ambitious startups the opportunity to test their products within operating Marriott hotels in major cities. The hugely successful TestBED program offers early stage startups the precious opportunity to pilot their product in a functional hotel environment, and to gain worthwhile usage feedback from guests and associates for further fine-tuning and research and development. The TestBED program was first made available in the region in September 2017 when it was inaugurated in the United Arab Emirates. The shortlist that Beachill Mattresses bested, according to the panel of Marriott representative judges, consisted of; Actimirror from Hong Kong, Twistar from Dubai, Near Motion of Saudi Arabia and Unified Inbox from Singapore. Commenting on the unique opportunity, Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President of Premium & Select Brands (MEA) at Marriott International said; “there is a wealth of talent out there, and we’re looking forward to learning from each other as Marriott continues to lead the way in shaping the future of travel with technology.” Beachill mattresses are an innovative multi-featured concept that has totally reimagined the beach lounger. Beachill mattresses are eco-friendly, solar powered smart mattresses with a bevy of useful assets: mobile device charging, drinks thermo-fridge, valuables storage all whilst being housed in a supremely ergonomic and anti-bacterial form for the most comprehensive comfort experience whilst you are chilling by the pool. multi-purpose Beachill mattresses, winner of TestBED startup competition