SplitStay, a Belgian travel-tech start-up backed by the Start it KBC accelerator, has launched a platform allowing travellers to share hotel rooms and apartments with compatible guests at events. The service targets festivals, sports tournaments, trade fairs and conferences, where accommodation costs have surged in recent years. “Accommodation has quietly become one of the biggest barriers to attending live events,” said Vanhees. Guests still book through existing platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb, but use SplitStay to find someone to split the cost. The platform is initially targeting the MICE sector through partnerships with event organisers, ticketing platforms and event management providers.