Fintech Company Set to Boost Canadian Travel Business

Uplift enters the Canadian market with flexible monthly travel payments

TORONTO and MENLO PARK, CA, March 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Uplift, a Silicon Valley fintech company that offers travellers the ability to book now and pay over time, is excited to announce its entrance into the Canadian marketplace.

Purpose-built for travel, Uplift works exclusively through industry partners by integrating a monthly payment option seamlessly into their booking flows. The business also offers a custom-tailored solution for travel agents and call centres, ensuring access for off-line transactions. This innovative technology helps drive significant increases in conversion rates and transaction values for partners while making travel more affordable, accessible and rewarding for consumers.

Launched in 2017 by a team of passionate travel industry veterans led by CEO Brian Barth,  Uplift has changed the way consumers shop, book, pay and experience travel. Prior to Uplift, Barth co-founded Sidestep in 1999, the first travel metasearch engine that was later acquired by Kayak.

"Booking travel can be expensive and often a stressful process," said Robert Soderbery, President, Uplift. "By offering flexible payment options, we want to make it easier for consumers to book with confidence and enjoy travel. We are excited to accelerate our expansion and introduce Uplift to Canadian consumers. Canada is a natural extension for us and in the coming months, we will onboard new partners here and expand our product capabilities. Canada's travel and tourism market is robust and we are confident our monthly payment solution is a win-win for consumers and industry partners."

Uplift is rapidly growing and recently closed a $123M USD Series C equity financing round. The company has achieved success in the U.S., securing partnerships with world-renowned businesses, including American Airlines Vacations, Spirit Airlines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Southwest Vacations and many others. In partnership with Uplift, travel brands have seen improved metrics across the board, including an increase of up to 26 percent in the average transaction value.

"This is an exciting venture and one I'm proud to be a part of," says Denise Heffron, Uplift Managing Director, Canada. "Uplift is the first of its kind in Canada — this is going to redefine travel in this country, providing new possibilities and options to consumers that they may not have considered or thought possible before."

Canadian consumers can expect access to Uplift's travel financing feature on partner websites and through travel agent partners beginning April 2019.

About Uplift
Uplift was founded by a passionate team of travel industry veterans to provide a better way to shop, book, pay and experience travel. Our mission is to make travel more accessible, affordable and rewarding for everyone. By offering simple, flexible payments, Uplift benefits consumers who are able to book now and pay over time.

SOURCE Uplift