Carlson Wagonlit Travel is to increase its smartphone services following the purchase of mobile travel technology firm Worldmate.
The TMC announced yesterday (October 31) that it had acquired San Francisco-based Worldmate for an undisclosed amount.
Worldmate, which was set up in 2000 and also has operations in Israel, specialises in providing itinerary management systems and services for travellers.
CWT said that the move would give business travellers the ability to use their mobile devices to book airport parking, restaurants, hotels, ground transportation and airline offers such as inflight internet.
Douglas Anderson, CWT chief executive officer, said: “This acquisition puts us in an exciting place within the industry; working with the expert in mobile technology puts us in control of our own ‘mobile destiny’.
“Injecting Worldmate’s proven mobile expertise into our existing range of products will bring additional services and functionalities to our clients and their travellers.”
Worldmate’s mobile app is currently used by more than 10 million travellers to organise itineraries, get real-time local information as well as booking hotels and car rentals while travelling.
Jean Tripier, Worldmate’s CEO, added: “We’re delighted to offer CWT clients access to Worldmate’s leading range of on-the-road services.
“In addition to becoming an integral part of CWT’s growth strategy, we will remain committed to providing the highest levels of support to our existing clients and the millions of travellers we service today.”