Travel startup Layla has announced its acquisition of AI itinerary building bot Roam Around, marking a strategic move to enhance its trip planning capabilities. The acquisition, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, underscores Layla’s commitment to innovation and expansion in the travel sector.
Integration of Roam Around’s Technology
Roam Around, founded by former Google employee Shie Gabbai, brings advanced AI-powered itinerary building capabilities to Layla’s platform. With a team of five joining Layla as part of the acquisition, the startup aims to leverage Roam Around’s expertise and partnerships to enhance its trip planning services. Roam Around has amassed a significant user base, with 10 million itineraries created and half a million monthly visitors to its site.
Synergy between Layla and Roam Around
Saad Saeed, co-founder of Layla, highlighted the synergies between the two companies, emphasizing Roam Around’s rapid growth and customer traction in the travel AI space. By combining Layla’s strengths in flight prediction models and partnerships with Skyscanner and Booking.com with Roam Around’s focus on itinerary building and integration with platforms like Viator, Layla aims to offer a comprehensive travel planning experience to its users.
Integration and Rebranding
Layla has already begun integrating Roam Around’s technology into its platform, enhancing itinerary data for users. Additionally, Layla’s bot will be featured on Roam Around’s site, facilitating a seamless transition for existing users. As part of the integration process, Layla plans to phase out the Roam Around brand and fully integrate its features into the Layla platform.
Innovations in the Travel Sector
The acquisition of Roam Around reflects a broader trend in the travel industry towards leveraging AI and advanced technologies to enhance user experiences. Other players in the market, such as Kayak, Expedia, and Matador Network, have also introduced AI-powered tools and real-time flight tracking features to improve trip planning. With Layla’s acquisition of Roam Around, the company aims to consolidate its position as a leader in the travel tech space and deliver innovative solutions to travelers worldwide.
