The Fintech Effect on Travel

Hi there,

Sometimes, the solutions we need are right in front of us - it just takes a shift in perspective to see their potential.

A panel hosted by Airwallex a few weeks ago at the FutureTravel Summit explored how fintech is transforming the travel industry - not just for flights, hotels, or experiences, but across entire business models. With insights from leaders at HBX Group, Travelsoft, and Caravelo, the conclusion was clear: travel companies embracing fintech to build the next wave of innovative products are positioning themselves to lead in the years ahead.

Fast forward to today, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

HBX Group, a panel participant, is filing for an IPO in Spain, putting the “fintech effect” firmly in the spotlight. The best part? Airwallex is already providing these fintech solutions for travel companies.

So, is fintech part of your 2025 strategy? Here’s a great place to start:

With FITUR just around the corner we'd like to connect with agency partners passionate about travel marketing and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Whether you’re attending the event or based in the Madrid area, we’d love to meet you! It's always a great opportunity to connect with peers and explore potential partnerships.

Let me know if you're up for a chat - at FITUR or over coffee in the city. ☕

This week’s curation of top travel news in innovation, trends, and startups is here.

• Splitting the bill. Air Europa has enhanced its booking platform with Hands In's split payment technology, making it easier than ever for travelers to book flights together. This feature allows for easy cost-sharing among friends and family, boosting customer satisfaction and driving more bookings for the airline. As you might recall, Hands In made it to the finals at our Pitch Competition last November, proving just how innovative they are :)

• The new travel search. Tripadvisor is teaming up with AI search startup Perplexity in a trial, sharing its exclusive review data and user insights. The goal is to deliver smarter, personalized travel searches (complete with AI summaries and direct booking buttons) to increase bookings. The trial could lead to new features, more partnerships, and advertising opportunities down the line.

• Digital safaris. With $4.5M in fresh seed capital, Kenya’s Purple Elephant Ventures is set to reshape African tourism through innovative, eco-conscious technology. The firm aims to launch eco-friendly hospitality SaaS and energy-efficient travel solutions, growing Africa’s regenerative tourism sector while supporting safari guides and boosting local economies.
  

• Flexibility wins. lastminute.com has partnered with fintech company Zilch to launch Zilch Travel, a fully integrated white-label travel platform. The platform offers flexible payment options, including interest-free installments and cashback rewards, alongside tailored travel booking. By embracing fintech, lastminute.com is doubling down on its strategy to provide travelers with a more tailored and financially flexible travel experience.

• Targeting youth. In a move to expand its reach and boost revenue, French Group Altaï has acquired a majority stake in Hello Travel, the parent company of Copines de Voyages and Les Aventureurs. This investment will allow Altaï to tap into Hello Travel's younger clientele and community expertise while preserving the distinct identities of each brand. The goal is to drive significant growth, with the combined entity aiming for €100 million in revenue by 2027.

• Procurement symphony. Israeli startup Reeco has raised $15M in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $25M. Specializing in AI-driven hospitality solutions, Reeco will use the funds to enhance its procure-to-pay platform, expand its teams, and drive customer acquisition. Their platform simplifies procurement with inventory, vendor, and payment automation.

See you next week,
Ana

Thank you for reading until the end.

The content of this newsletter is curated and published by Ana Metz, an innovation expert, passionate about technology and excited about the future of travel.

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