Barcelona's TravelPerk buys Albatross, an API for virus-related travel restrictions, to expand risk management offering

Barcelona's TravelPerk buys Albatross, an API for virus-related travel restrictions, to expand risk management offering

Barcelona-based travel management platform Travelperk has acquired Albatross, a startup that offers an API for structured information on travel restrictions and local guidelines in the coronavirus era. This is the Spanish company’s first acquisition. Albatross’ technology and data will be incorporated into TravelCare, the platform’s travel risk management offering, but also remain a standalone product for other travel providers.

Albatross API was launched at the end of April by Raphael Daverio. The acquisition is part of TravelPerk’s broader efforts to help travelers and businesses navigate the complex travel environment created by the pandemic.

“The new normal for business travel will be more complex and much more unpredictable, as travel corridors or travel bubbles open up and close down in response to the public health situation in each country, or even in specific regions within countries,” says Avi Meir, CEO and co-founder of TravelPerk.

In a press release, the companies say Albatross is the only product on the market that covers point-to-point travel restrictions. Through its API, travel providers will be able to display information on travel restrictions in their booking flow. This includes risk advisory on the virus, any related restrictions (including whether travel is permitted between towns and any social distancing or face mask regulations that apply), plus local emergency numbers. Commenting on the deal, Daverio said: “Joining forces with TravelPerk will help us accelerate our product innovation and growth globally and ultimately gets us closer to our vision of bringing disruptive travel risk management tools to businesses of every size.”

Founded in 2015, Travelperk has raised over $130 million, according to Crunchbase, including a $103 million Series C round last summer and $21 million two years ago.

Photo: co-founder and CEO Avi Meir

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