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We’re deviating from our regular schedule to bring you the best new business ideas of 2006. Each day, we’ll feature our personal favorites from 20 industries we’ve tracked throughout the year.
  1. Niche parcel service: Every air traveler knows pocketknives and scissors won’t make it through airport security. Yet sometimes something sharp is accidentally left in a pocket. More »


  2. No frills chic, Indian style: Back in 2004, trendwatching.com wrote about IndiOne, a pilot for no-frills chic hotels in India. Now, the IndiOne in Bangalore has been renamed Ginger, and an ambitious roll-out for the new brand has been unveiled. More »

  3. Tribewanted: Launched by two young British entrepreneurs, tribewanted is creating a global tribe that will develop a sustainable eco-community on an island in Fiji. More »

  4. Minipreneur travel agents: Joining the customer made revolution, Belgium tour operator Wasteels has set up a division called Club Tours, which allows amateurs to create travel packages that are sold to the company’s customers. More »

  5. Buy room 387: Consumers becoming participants is one of the big evolving themes for 2006, so we thought it fitting to highlight UK based Guest Invest, who offer individuals the opportunity to own a fully managed, luxury London hotel room, from GBP 140.000 – 300.000 for a 999 year lease. More »

  6. Airport weddings: New at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: weddings to go. Whether a couple met on a flight to Bangkok or just wants to be able to go straight from ceremony to runway for their honeymoon, Schiphol offers travellers the opportunity to get married at the airport. More »

  7. Tripadvisor for gay travellers: Pink Choice is a review website for gay and lesbian travellers. The company was founded by the owners of two successful gay guesthouses in Massachusetts, who were frustrated by the lack of relevant information when planning their own holidays. More »

  8. Checking into another dimension: Announced last year as W Hotels’ new brand for the select-service hotel category, the first aloft hotel won’t open until 2008. So, what does a brand do to create some pre-opening buzz, and give future customers a taste of what’s to come? Build a virtual hotel in Second Life, of course. More »

  9. Digital fuel: Fuel for Travel lets consumers download travel guides, music, audio books, tv shows and movies to their MP3 players and other digital devices. More »

  10. Funky kiwi campers: Escape Rentals is a New Zealand camper rental company that sets itself apart by letting artists turn camper vans into art on wheels. More »