YOUTRAVEL.COM has purchased call centre Qwerty Travel for an undisclosed sum following an investment by venture capitalists Barclays Ventures, which values the business at 15 million.
The call centre in Woking, Surrey, which will double up as Youtravel’s UK headquarters, will continue to run as a separate company.
Youtravel founder John Kent said Qwerty Travel would account for 5% of the accommodation-only company’s business.
Kent said Qwerty Travel would be used to “pilot and test new destinations and business ventures”.
Qwerty Travel managing director Matt Sommers and head of sales Mathew Todd remain with the business along with its 30 call centre agents.
Barclays Ventures said it now held a “significant minority stake” in Youtravel, but would not reveal its investment.