COUNTRY FOCUS : PORTUGAL
TUI Group opens ‘ Digital Hub ’ in Portugal
TUI Group has opened a ‘ Digital Hub ’ in the Portuguese city of Porto . The hub will strengthen TUI ´ s tech capabilities which are key to its transformation towards a global digital travel and leisure platform company . A total of 150 technology experts will work on the company ’ s mobile app , payment systems and drive the implementation of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) powered technologies across its platforms . TUI CEO , Sebastian Ebel , welcomed the teams to TUI at the Porto office . The ‘ Digital Hub Porto ’ is part of a network of locations offering tech talent an opportunity to work on the future of tourism , with hubs in Poland and India previously established by TUI . ‘ Digital Hub ’ teams are joining the more than 2,400 technology team members working at TUI today .
“ We have a longstanding and successful partnership with Portugal as a popular travel destination for our customers . Hotels , flights , cruises , tours and activities – TUI is present here with its full portfolio . Now we are expanding our footprint in Portugal by opening the ‘ Digital Hub Porto ’, with teams that bring a wealth of technology experience and creativity to TUI . They strengthen our own tech capabilities . Delivering new digital products and services for our customers while ensuring high quality standards is key for our transformation . Portugal is proving that it is not only a beautiful travel destination , but also a digital innovation centre where we can help build the future of tourism ,” said Ebel .
The focus on innovation that the Digital Hub will bring to the IT ecosystem and to TUI Group ’ s global operations reflect Portugal ’ s commitment to strengthen its position as a leading European Tech Hub ,” said Filipe Santos Costa , Chairman and CEO of AICEP – Portugal Trade & Investment Agency .
In 2017 , TUI and IT service provider , COCUS , established a partnership to deliver a Software Development Hub in Portugal , supporting TUI ’ s Digital Transformation . Over the past five years , both parties have collaborated extensively to make a significant impact on the business . TUI and COCUS now agreed to transfer this hub to become a part of the TUI organisation as ‘ Digital Hub ’. The agreement was signed recently .
Porto city , Portugal
TUI plans to hire more team members in Porto in the coming months . Current plans see up to 200 technology experts working at the ‘ Digital Hub Porto ’ by the end of 2024 . The tourism company has an ambitious technology roadmap to unify its platforms , increase the implementation of AI technologies and build new digital products for customers . All of these initiatives will be supported by teams in Porto , which are fully integrated within the global technology organisation of TUI , offering employees the chance to build industry leading products and platforms , in combination with unique development and career opportunities .
“ We are delighted with TUI Group ’ s decision to setup its new Digital Hub in Matosinhos , ( Porto , Portugal ), a new investment in the tech sector supported by AICEP .
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