Travel search company Skyscanner has bought London based user-generated content business Twizoo. The six-strong Twizoo team, founded by Madeline Parra and John Talbott, have been incorporated into Skyscanner’s existing team of more than 900 and are now based from the travel search site’s London office at Tottenham Court Road.
As part of Skyscanner’s aim to make travel search simple, Skyscanner will make use of Twizoo’s social content integrations to bolster hotel reviews and recommendations.
Bryan Dove, chief technology officer, said of the acquisition: “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.”
Madeline Parra, chief executive and co-founder of Twizoo said: “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.”
Last week Skyscanner also announced it would launch in-trip content through its parent company’s acquisition of Trip.com.
The news comes as Skyscanner continues to expand in London, having recently moved to a larger 24,000 square foot office at 1 Bedford Avenue, Tottenham Court Road. Skyscanner’s London based team has trebled in the past 12 months and now accounts for over 120 employees. The company is currently recruiting for dozens of roles across nine global offices, including 18 in London.
Twizoo’s previous investors include EC1 Capital, Downing Ventures and Jensons EIS Fund. Twizoo was advised by BDO for the transaction.
