Topsort, an artificial intelligence (AI) and auction-based retail media infrastructure company focused on democratising Silicon Valley’s monetisation strategies for retailers and marketplaces, has announced its entry into the travel media sector through a strategic partnership with Despegar (NYSE: DESP), Latin America’s leading online travel agency.
As part of this collaboration, Despegar will integrate Topsort’s advanced Sponsored Products technology into its platform, enabling advertisers to connect with travellers in a more targeted, effective, and streamlined way. The new feature provides brands with the opportunity to showcase their products — including hotels, flights, and holiday packages — directly within search results, enhancing visibility and engagement across the customer journey.
This partnership marks an industry-first for LATAM, as Despegar becomes the first travel platform in the region to embed AI-powered sponsored listings within its ecosystem. By leveraging Topsort’s retail media infrastructure, the platform now delivers a seamless, efficient, and data-driven solution for advertisers looking to maximise campaign performance while improving the overall traveller experience.
By entering travel media, Topsort is bringing the principles of retail media — transparency, AI-powered efficiency, modular APIs, and real-time decision making—to the forefront of an industry that’s yet to fully tap into its powers. With travel media ad spend projected to exceed $2.9 billion in 2026, according to eMarketer, Despegar is at the forefront of this transformation in LATAM.
Despegar uses Topsort’s plug-and-play Retail Media Solution with a self-service model that allows advertisers to manage campaigns independently. With access to advanced tools like real-time reporting and performance metrics, such as clicks, impressions, and ROAS, advertisers can optimise their efforts and achieve measurable results, all while maintaining the seamless experience Despegar users expect.
Key Highlights of Topsort’s Technology in Despegar’s Ad Ecosystem:
- Auction-Based Retail Media Infrastructure: Topsort’s technology enables the integration of auction-based ads directly into Despegar’s platform, with dynamic segmentation to personalise the advertising experience.
- AI-Driven Optimisation: Artificial intelligence algorithms ensure greater ad relevance and optimise return on investment for advertisers.
- Self-Service Tools: Advertisers can create, manage, and adjust campaigns in real-time, streamlining processes and eliminating manual operational burdens.
- User-First Design: Seamlessly integrates non-intrusive ads that align with traveller needs.
Juan Manuel Valverde, VP Global Air Travel Partners & Media Sales at Despegar, shared:
“Our challenge is to continue growing exponentially in the media business, incorporating the best technology to offer an exceptional experience to our partners. In this regard, Topsort’s expertise in sponsored ads and its flexibility as a strategic partner have been key in the development of our own retail media platform. With ambitious targets and a strong focus on innovation, we strive to position ourselves alongside the leading players in this industry on a global scale.”
Francisco Larraín, Topsort’s CTO, explained:
“This partnership marks an important moment for the travel industry. Despegar is leading the way by integrating advanced advertising solutions that maximise results while preserving a user experience that feels seamless and relevant. It’s not just about advertising—it’s about helping travellers discover the right products at the right time.”
As a pioneer in Latin America, Despegar is following in the footsteps of global giants like Expedia in the US by launching a travel media network. This new strategy not only unlocks a new revenue stream but also enhances its entire ecosystem, creating opportunities and added value for both sellers and shoppers alike. For more information about how Topsort supports Despegar’s retail media engine, please find the full case study here.
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