Skyscanner to ramp up mobile bookings

By admin


Skyscanner has acquired mobile developer Distinction in a bid to boost its mobile presence and expand direct bookings in its apps, according to reports.

The Budapest-based Distinction, according to a Skift report, is said to have worked with the metasearch site on developing Skyscanner apps over the past three years, including a new hotel-only app launched recently.

The report suggests that with the acquisition, Skyscanner’s mobile push will be to take direct bookings through OTA’s and hotel partners directly through the Skyscanner apps and on the internet.

“The future of online travel booking is undoubtedly mobile,” Skyscanner’s co-founder and ceo Gareth Williams said, as reported by skift.

“More and more of travellers’ plans are made on the move and that is accelerating fast.”

“The team at Distinction, led by B√°lint Orosz and Akos Kapui, are some of the best app developers that I’ve ever come across,” Williams said.

“In working closely with them on the design of our hotel app, we saw how focused they were on the user experience. They have built a fantastic company with a great culture and, as part of our combined team, will focus on creating the mobile travel assistant that future travellers will need.”

The report states that Distinction’s Budapest office will now transform into Skyscanner’s “mobile hub”.

The terms of the acquisition has not been disclosed. 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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