Despegar CEO on AI Investment and Expansion Plans
New Despegar CEO Gonzalo Estebarena shared that the company is investing $100 million annually for three years in AI development and plans to triple in size. As part of Prosus, Despegar will leverage the Prosus ecosystem, focus on Brazil expansion, and develop a 'large commerce model' to predict customer actions.
Impact and considerations
Despegar's AI investment and expansion plans reflect the competitive landscape in Latin American OTAs, with potential implications for cross-border travel and business travel.
Key points
- Investing $100 million annually for three years in AI.
- Plans to triple in size over three years.
- Focus on Brazil expansion.
- Developing 'large commerce model' to predict customer actions.
- Leveraging Prosus ecosystem for integrated services.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- PhocusWire / Phocuswright
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 6 May 2026, 14:00
- Page published
- 13 Aug 2026, 08:17
- Last updated
- 6 May 2026, 14:00
- Original links
- PhocusWire All News：CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 6 May 2026, 14:00