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Despegar partners with Karisma for AI travel service

Published 10/25/2024, 08:35 AM
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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - Despegar.com, Corp. (NYSE:DESP), a prominent travel technology company in Latin America, has entered into its inaugural Software as a Service (SaaS) partnership with Karisma Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration will see Despegar licensing its AI Travel Assistant, Sofia, to Karisma, aiming to revolutionize digital customer engagement within the hospitality sector.

The partnership, announced today, allows Karisma's clientele to utilize Despegar's AI technology for an enhanced travel planning and booking experience. Sofia, the AI Travel Assistant, is expected to provide personalized and seamless assistance to travelers, elevating Karisma's reputation as a forward-thinking brand in the hospitality industry.

Damian Scokin, CEO of Despegar, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that integrating Sofia will deepen their relationship with Karisma and position the hotel group at the forefront of technological innovation in hospitality. He also indicated Despegar's eagerness to expand Sofia's capabilities in the future.

Miguel Ortiz, Chief Strategic Officer for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership as a commitment to leading the industry's technological advancement. He emphasized the goal of offering comprehensive assistance that makes travel planning as enjoyable as the journey itself.

This strategic move marks Despegar's broader initiative to diversify its SaaS offerings, distinguishing itself from competitors in the travel technology market. By licensing AI-powered solutions like Sofia, Despegar aims to enhance customer engagement for its partners and explore new revenue opportunities.

Despegar, operating in 19 countries across Latin America, has been a transformative force in the region's tourism industry for over 20 years. The company's shares are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, recognized for its luxury accommodations and premier guest experiences, continues to garner accolades for its innovative Gourmet Inclusive® philosophy and exceptional hospitality standards.

The announcement of this partnership is based on a press release statement from Despegar.com, Corp.

In other recent news, Despegar.com, the leading online travel company in Latin America, has reported a series of significant developments. The company has experienced a 46% year-over-year revenue growth rate for Q1 2024, with revenues hitting $185 million. Adjusted EBITDA and net income also saw substantial increases, with adjusted EBITDA up 22% to $37 million and adjusted net income surging by 397% to $30.2 million. Despite these positive results, the company revised its 2024 revenue guidance downward to an 8% increase due to challenges such as foreign exchange and pricing.

Furthermore, Despegar.com has announced strategic partnerships with Nubank, a digital banking platform, and Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) Group. The collaboration with Nubank aims to integrate NuPay into Despegar's travel services, offering a new payment option and expanding market reach. The 10-year Lodging Outsourcing Agreement with Expedia Group, set to begin in 2025, is designed to optimize Despegar's lodging supply and facilitate long-term growth.

In terms of analyst coverage, Citi maintained its Neutral rating on Despegar.com with a consistent price target of $15.00, despite anticipating mixed 3Q24 results. Meanwhile, TD Cowen has raised its price target on Despegar.com's stock to $12.00, maintaining a Buy rating. These are the recent developments from Despegar.com.

InvestingPro Insights

Despegar.com's strategic move into the SaaS market with its AI Travel Assistant, Sofia, aligns well with the company's current financial trajectory. According to InvestingPro data, Despegar has shown impressive revenue growth of 20.34% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, with revenues reaching $740.52 million. This growth is complemented by a robust gross profit margin of 69.53%, underscoring the company's ability to maintain profitability as it expands its service offerings.

The partnership with Karisma Hotels & Resorts comes at a time when Despegar's stock is performing strongly. InvestingPro data reveals a remarkable 136.97% price total return over the past year, with the stock trading near its 52-week high at 94.82% of that peak. This positive momentum in the market may provide Despegar with the confidence to pursue innovative ventures like the Sofia AI licensing agreement.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Despegar's net income is expected to grow this year, and analysts predict the company will be profitable. These projections suggest that the expansion into SaaS solutions could contribute positively to the company's bottom line. Additionally, the tip indicating that Despegar holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet points to financial flexibility, which could support further investments in AI technology and partnerships.

For investors seeking a deeper understanding of Despegar's potential, InvestingPro offers 12 additional tips, providing a comprehensive analysis of the company's financial health and market position.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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