Travel Weekly Group Ltd

📚 German-based GIATA acquires SMARTSEER, an AI decisioning platform, in 2023. SMARTSEER, previously sold to dnata Travel in 2018 and closed in 2023, was relaunched by Andy Owen Jones, Melanie Sickenberger, and Stefan Henss. GIATA aims to enhance personalized travel experiences. The acquisition keeps SMARTSEER independent within the group. Integration is seamless, with growth focused on product, technology, and innovation, not sales or marketing. The merger intends to offer a personalized traveler experience.

🌐 Forward, part of lastminute.com, has launched a new creative production division enhancing its end-to-end travel industry services. This expansion integrates their media and insights strategies, aiming to combat fragmented strategies and improve campaign consistency. Creativity drives 50% of campaign success, prompting 65% of marketers to focus more on quality. Forward's team includes creatives and digital producers, supported by external filmmakers, working with clients like the Abu Dhabi Tourism Board and American Express to deliver data-driven advertising solutions.

🌏 WeRoad, Europe’s fastest-growing adventure travel company, offers over 300 itineraries to global destinations as part of its new trade partnership program. Active since March 2025, the initiative targets the rise in solo travel and bookings by Millennials and Gen Z. In the UK, agent bookings by 18-24-year-olds doubled from 26% in 2019 to 48% in 2024. WeRoad partners, including Bluvacanze, Tourhub, and Arrival Travel, benefit from competitive commissions, bundled offers, and incentives.