H.I.S. Americas Inc. Wins Prestigious Corporate Innovation Award 2026
H.I.S. Americas Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the renowned travel company H.I.S., made headlines recently by being awarded the
Corporate Innovation Award 2026 at the exciting
Silicon Valley May Summit 2026, hosted by
Plug and Play. This recognition marks the third consecutive year that H.I.S. Americas has been celebrated for its transformative approach, tying its record with other innovative companies.
A Leader in Global Innovation Platforms
Based in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play is one of the world’s largest innovation platforms, connecting start-ups, corporations, venture capitalists, educational institutions, and government agencies. The organization now operates across over 60 locations across five continents, promoting collaborative efforts to spark technological advancements and business growth.
The
Corporate Partner Innovation Award is awarded to companies that have demonstrated a robust commitment to innovation through collaboration with Plug and Play and other start-ups. This award recognizes those companies exploring emerging technologies consistently, fostering a culture of innovation, and actively engaging in the start-up ecosystem through proof of concept (PoC), partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
H.I.S. Americas: A Commitment to Innovation
H.I.S. Americas has made significant strides in fostering innovation through initiatives such as the immersive
XploreRide excursion bus tour, which combines XR technology with real-world experiences. Moreover, their partnerships in next-generation mobility, particularly with
Regent, and collaborations in the hotel distribution sector with
HotelTrader in Canada, have been instrumental in creating innovative solutions. The company’s proactive approach in the AI domain, including PoC implementations with start-up firms, showcases its dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer experiences.
The dedication to innovation doesn't stop here; H.I.S. Americas plans to continue collaborating with start-ups and utilizing pioneering technologies to create new customer experiences and usher in the next generation of tourism.
Supporting Start-Ups and Driving Change in Travel
For the past six years, H.I.S. has partnered with Plug and Play in the Travel Vertical, highlighting a strong commitment to exploring new technologies and engaging in meaningful collaborations with start-ups. Through a focus on next-gen travel solutions, international PoCs, and fresh customer experience concepts, H.I.S. has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation.
Amir Amidi, Managing Partner at Plug and Play, expressed his enthusiasm about awarding H.I.S. with the Corporate Partner Innovation Award, emphasizing the fruitful relationship and looking forward to continued collaboration.
President and CEO of H.I.S. Americas Inc.,
Tomohisa Kumamoto, expressed his honor at receiving the Corporate Innovation Award 2026, highlighting the importance of cooperation with Plug and Play that has facilitated encounters with exceptional start-ups. He acknowledged the wealth of learning and opportunities for value creation through exploring new technologies and business ideas.
Kumamoto stated,
"This award serves as motivation for us to continue our commitment to creating value through open innovation in the future."
Conclusion
As H.I.S. Americas Inc. embarks on the journey ahead, it remains dedicated to redefining the travel experience through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. The recognition from Plug and Play not only serves as a testament to their ongoing efforts but also sets the stage for a future filled with possibilities in the realm of travel and tourism.