Tui Group has opened a ‘digital hub’ in the Portuguese city of Porto to support its technology developments in areas such as artificial intelligence.
The travel giant said the new hub will “strengthen” Tui’s tech capabilities which are “key to its transformation towards a global digital travel and leisure platform company”.
It has 150 technology experts working on the company’s mobile app, payment systems and artificial intelligence-powered technologies across its platforms.
The company already has tech hubs in Poland and India.
Sebastian Ebel, Tui Group chief executive (pictured), said: “We have a longstanding and successful partnership with Portugal as a popular travel destination for our customers.
“Now we are expanding our footprint in Portugal by opening the Digital Hub Porto, with teams that bring a wealth of technology experience and creativity to Tui.
“They strengthen our own tech capabilities.
“Delivering new digital products and services for our customers while ensuring high quality standards is key for our transformation.”
Tui plans to hire more team members in Porto in the coming months, bringing the total to 200 by the end of 2024.
Filipe Santos Costa, chairman and of AICEP – Portugal Trade & Investment Agency – said: “We are delighted with Tui Group’s decision to set up its new Digital Hub in Matosinhos, (Porto), a new investment in the tech sector supported by AICEP.
“The focus on innovation that the Digital Hub will bring to the IT ecosystem and to Tui Group’s global operations reflect Portugal’s commitment to strengthen its position as a leading European tech hub.”
In 2017, Tui and IT service provider Cocus established a partnership to deliver a software development hub in Portugal, supporting Tui’s digital transformation.
Tui and Cocus have now agreed to transfer this hub to become a part of the Tui organisation as the Digital Hub.