Technology

Posted on November 9, 2017 by staff

Skyscanner acquires social start-up Twizoo

Technology

Travel comparison site Skyscanner has acquired social content start-up Twizoo on undisclosed terms.

The London-based start-up lets brands take relevant comments from other platforms and inject them onto their own sites – for example, a hotel could take a review of their services from Twitter.

The company’s artificial intelligence system looks at the account before using the review to make sure it’s a real account.

The move is Edinburgh-headquartered Skyscanner’s first deal since being acquired itself by one of China’s biggest online travel companies Ctrip last year for £1.4bn.

Skyscanner’s CTO Bryan Dove, said in a statement: “Skyscanner aims to serve all traveller needs, from inspiration through to planning and booking.

“Twizoo’s technology surfaces customer opinions from social media, providing real value to traveller decision making.

“We’re delighted to have the highly talented Twizoo team join us.”

The six-strong team at Twizoo have moved into Skyscanner’s London office.

Twizoo CEO and co-founder Madeline Parra said: “Skyscanner is built by travellers, for travellers.

“Their emphasis on authenticity and transparency reflect Twizoo’s own values.

“Travel is inherently social and we’re excited to work with the Skyscanner team to integrate our technology into their world-class travel search products, giving travellers invaluable insight through user generated content shared on social media.”