Global marketing and communications firm, Finn Partners, has launched a dedicated travel technology group, TravelTech.
Finn Partners has more than 100 people in its global technology practice, and one of the largest tourism teams in the world.
The formation of the new group, which will consist of staff across Finn’s global network, was motivated by the agency’s recent acquisition of UK-based, The Brighter Group.
Industry firm CB Insights reports that the travel tech space is rapidly evolving, saying that deals and dollars reached record annual highs in 2017, with $5.3 billion invested across 348 deals.
It notes that new categories have emerged beyond traditional online booking and search platforms, and the industry is seeing an uptick in participation from a diverse range of investors.
“Our goal is to own the travel tech sector for marketing and PR in the UK – and beyond,” said Debbie Flynn, managing partner, The Brighter Group, a Finn Partners company.
“Our fabulous network of connections means that we can provide introductions and help with business development as well as offer stellar PR.
“Our new blended team is now poised to be the market leader within three years.”
Finn Partners’ experience in the travel tech sector includes working with data insights expert Adara, maker of portable solar power products Goal Zero, reservations specialist GlobeTrack, travel location app Hoof, travel retailing platform OpenJaw, language learning specialist Rosetta Stone, and internet telephony firm for travellers, Vonage.
“The travel industry stands to benefit from many new advances in technology; artificial intelligence, the internet of things and mobile.
“All present huge opportunities to revolutionise the market,” said Flora Haslam, managing partner, technology, Finn Partners Europe.
“With more than 20 years’ experience in helping companies effectively bring such technologies to market, we’re excited to be working with our new travel colleagues to provide our clients with the very best expertise in the industry.”