Skyscanner acquired London social media startup Twizoo

gareth williams skyscanner

Skyscanner announced on Thursday that it has bought a small London social media startup called Twizoo.

It is one of Skyscanner's first acquisitions since it was acquired for £1.4 billion last November by Chinese company Ctrip.com.

The Edinburgh-headquartered travel comparison company said in an emailed press release that it will use Twizoo's social content integration platform to strengthen hotel reviews and recommendations.

Skyscanner's chief technology office, 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."

Twizoo's team of six have moved into Skyscanner's London office on Tottenham Court Road, where it employs around 900 people, as a result of the deal.

Twizoo founders

Madeline Parra, CEO and cofounder of Twizoo, 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."

The value of the acquisition has not been disclosed.

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