First read is on us.

Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.

DerbySoft Acquires Pkfare and Expands into Airline Industry


Stock photo of an airplane overhead.

Skift Take

DerbySoft is one of those companies that lives in the background of the travel industry but plays an important role. It's behind the online sales for many hotels, and now it is for airlines, too.
Summarize this story

Select a question above or ask something else

Summarize this story

DerbySoft, a hotel distribution tech company, is expanding into the airline industry through the acquisition of Pkfare

Price and terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

DerbySoft primarily makes custom software that helps hotel companies connect with third-party online travel sellers. Headquartered in Dallas, the company has six offices and more than 300 employees. 

DerbySoft says its clients include the 10 largest global hotel groups — including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott — and hundreds of regional hotel chains throughout Europe, China, and North America. And it is connected to all of the world’s major online travel agencies, metasearch engines, wholesalers, and tour operators.

Most recently, DerbySoft said that it provided the connectivity tech behind the deal that allows guests to book certain MGM hotels through the Marriott website and app. 

Pkfare, based in China, operates a similar business for hotels as well as for more than 600 airlines. About 60% of Pkfare’s business comes from North America, Europe, and the Middle East, while the rest comes from Asia Pacific.

The companies will maintain their independent businesses but plan to integrate certain internal corporate and tech functions. Customers of each company will now have access to the other’s services. 

Up Next

Experiences

How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok

Driven by increased spending on experiences and the digital habits of younger audiences, TikTok has emerged as a key platform for inspiring and shaping travel decisions. Leveraging the platform’s reach early in the year presents a unique opportunity for travel brands to connect with eager travelers.
Sponsored