Travel tech specialist Travelsoft acquires Travolution from Jacobs Media

Expanding travel technology specialist Travelsoft is to create a standalone media and events division after acquiring UK digital media pioneer Travolution from Travel Weekly parent Jacobs Media.

The acquisition was made though Travelsoft subsidiary Eventiz for an undisclosed sum, with plans to “leverage synergies across journalism, insights, analysis, networking and events”.

Travelsoft said the deal, which follows the acquisition of Eventiz in 2024, marked “the next step in building a premier travel tech media brand – combining content, market intelligence, community and events for travel professionals worldwide".

The Travelsoft portfolio includes Atcore and Tigerbay in the UK in addition to a range of brands across other European markets and Latin America.

Christian Sabbagh, founder and chief executive of Travelsoft, said: “The acquisition of Travolution, and its integration with Eventiz, aligns perfectly with Travelsoft’s strategy of uniting technology, content and community.

“Travel tech evolves at breakneck speed – success requires not just building platforms, but also listening, informing, connecting and anticipating. Travolution brings heritage, editorial excellence and trusted insight.”

Duncan Horton, group chief executive of Jacobs Media, added: “Jacobs Media is proud of Travolution’s role over many years as a pioneering voice in the B2B travel tech space.

“We believe that under Travelsoft, Travolution will flourish even more, benefiting from access to global scale and complementary Media & Events capabilities.

“This transaction is a natural evolution and ensures Travolution’s editorial independence and industry trust for future years to come.”

Guillaume Poulain, managing director of Eventiz, said: “Together, we will build a global travel tech media reference that helps professionals make informed decisions, anticipate disruptions and shape the future of travel.”

Kate Harden-England, editor of Travolution, added: “I’ve seen first-hand how Travolution has become Europe’s go-to for travel tech insight, market analysis, news and connections.

“Joining Eventiz and being part of the wider Travelsoft Group offers exciting opportunities: we’ll be able to deliver richer content, broader reach and more powerful events, while staying true to the journalistic values and industry focus that our readers and partners know us for and rely on.

“Our ambition is clear – to raise the bar and to become the most sought-after travel tech media reference.”

Travolution was founded by Travel Weekly in 2004 and has formed a key part of the Jacobs Media travel and hospitality portfolio since its acquisition of Travel Weekly Group in 2009.

Travelsoft was founded in Paris in 2000 and delivers around €40 billion of annual bookings for partners in more than 90 countries through its nine brands.

The two parties said the deal “would ensure Travolution continues under leadership committed to its growth while benefiting from Travelsoft’s broader infrastructure”.