United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Flight Centre invests in another travel tech business
Flight Centre has made a strategic investment in the business travel market, snapping up 25% of Washington DC-based Upside Travel for an undisclosed sum.
The investment will make Flight Centre the largest shareholder in the group, which was launched two years ago by Jay Walker, who is also the founder of holiday deals website Priceline.
Upside offers a corporate tech solution targeting small and medium-sized businesses with a no-fee, no-contract travel management service.
It will continue to operate under its own brand while tapping Flight Centre Group’s supplier relationships and global reach.
The companies will cooperate on various distribution initiatives.
"We have been impressed by the capability and flexibility of Upside’s technology and team to improve the business traveller experience," said Dean Smith, president of Flight Centre Group Americas.
Walker said: "Not only does FLT’s global scale and experience immediately make our product more complete, but FLT’s people and expertise also make us smarter."
Last September, Flight Centre bought Umapped, another travel technology business.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel