Travel
social network Travello has acquired Backpacker Deals for an undisclosed
amount.
Travello claims Australia-based Backpacker Deals is the largest
online travel agency targeting the youth market in the country, as well as in New Zealand.
It adds that
the deal makes the combined companies the largest experienced-based OTA
catering for the youth market.
Ryan Hanly,
CEO of Travello, which is also Australia-based, says Backpacker Deals
brings technology around distressed inventory and dynamic pricing for tours and activities, that he has not seen in other companies.
He adds that
COVID-19 is accelerating the drive towards digital in many sectors including
tours and activities.
Dinesh Kaku,
founder of Backpacker Deals, joins Travello as head of growth.
He says: “The
combination of Travello’s community and Backpacker Deals’ e-commerce focus is
pretty irresistible."
The youth travel market will be the first to rebound because they are less risk
averse, he adds.
Travello,
which was founded in 2014, recently announced that Jeff Lewis, former global
vice president of technology and strategic initiatives at Tripadvisor, was
joining its board.
The company
also recently announced a partnership to provide tours and activities to Flight
Centre’s Australian customers.