Amadeus Invests in AI Travel Startup Acai Travel

Amadeus has made a minority investment in Acai Travel, a generative AI platform based in New York that specializes in optimizing travel operations for agencies. The deal, made through Amadeus Ventures, marks another step in Amadeus’ strategic push into artificial intelligence, although the financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Founded in 2023, Acai Travel delivers a suite of AI-powered tools built on large language models aimed at streamlining operations for travel management companies and online travel agencies. The platform has already proven effective, reportedly cutting average handling times by 50% for its clients, which include Kiwi.com, Lastminute.com, Globespan Travel Management and Hopper.

According to Riccardo Vittoria, co-founder and CEO of Acai, the company plans to use the new funding to expand its capabilities and begin working with airlines. He emphasized a dual vision for the business: building AI-first infrastructure for the travel industry and empowering a new class of “full-stack human” agents who work seamlessly with AI assistants.

Acai aims to reduce operational costs while enhancing the traveler experience across the ecosystem. Its technology supports automation for bookings, customer support and service modifications, enabling OTAs and TMCs to reduce reliance on global distribution system-trained staff. The system also enables companies to onboard customer support teams without traditional GDS expertise, cutting labor and training costs.

Suzanna Chiu, head of Amadeus Ventures, said the partnership underscores Amadeus’ ongoing efforts to support early-stage startups and remain at the forefront of travel innovation. She noted that Acai Travel’s generative AI solutions align with Amadeus’ broader mission to leverage AI for improving efficiency and traveler experiences.

Earlier in 2024, Acai secured $4 million in seed funding from Nauta Capital, with additional backing from DraperB1 and One Travel. The company has gained significant traction in a short time and was named one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024.

The collaboration between Acai and Hopper, announced in late 2024, highlights how AI agents can be integrated into large-scale consumer travel platforms. During a joint appearance at The Phocuswright Conference, executives from both companies outlined how AI-driven automation is shaping the next generation of travel customer service and backend operations.

With the investment from Amadeus, Acai is expected to accelerate its roadmap and deepen its reach into the airline sector while continuing to develop tools that reduce cost and boost responsiveness for travel companies of all sizes. The partnership also signals growing confidence among major industry players that generative AI will become foundational in transforming how travel is booked, managed and supported.

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Amadeus Invests in AI Travel Startup Acai Travel

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