Evaneos devient éditeur, un pivot SaaS stratégique pour le leader du voyage sur-mesure

Evaneos has launched a new SaaS subsidiary aimed at local travel agencies, marking a significant diversification from its established marketplace for bespoke travel. This strategic shift involves the development of a suite of technological tools in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The initiative is supported by the acquisition of Odys, Travel Software, and the integration of Evaneos' own payment solution, PayTravel.

Local travel agencies seeking an all-in-one tool TravelTech industry observing the rise of integrated vertical models Investors and B2B partners interested in the transition from marketplaces to software suites SaaS competitors monitoring a new European entrant

Transformation of internal assets into external products Combination of acquisition (Odys), in-house solution (PayTravel), and ten years of R&D Diversification of revenue streams beyond reservation commissions Targeting the often-overlooked segment of small international agencies

Creation of a SaaS subsidiary led by Alexia Lafitau, co-founder of Odys Progressive rollout from 2025 (technical revamp) to 2026 (full launch) Integration of a secure multi-currency payment module (PayTravel) Access to a comprehensive 360° suite designed by industry professionals for local agencies

The goal is to offer a comprehensive, modular software infrastructure designed to support the daily operations of independent local agencies worldwide. The shift comes amid increasing professionalization in the sector, where specialized vertical solutions are gaining traction over generic suites.

The market remains fragmented, with large agencies using sector-specific ERPs like Tourplan and Lemax . Meanwhile, most independent agencies in regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe operate with disparate tools.

Odys, developed by Alexia Lafitau and Maïlys Doë de Maindreville, addresses this demand by integrating essential components for travel agents: CRM, reservation management, accounting, supplier tracking, and operational management. This foundation will be strengthened in 2025 and combined with PayTravel, Evaneos' payment solution designed to secure international transactions and mitigate currency exchange risks.

The roadmap outlines a two-phase deployment, starting with the technical consolidation of existing modules, followed by the launch of a complete software suite in 2026. This will be backed by elements from Evaneos' internal Travel Suite. Alexia Lafitau will lead the project, with Olivier Madre, CTO of the group, overseeing technological coordination.

This project positions Evaneos against several established players. In France, publishers like WiiGo.travel and Gestour partially address the segment, while in Europe, Tourplan and Lemax remain focused on large accounts. In the United States, Travefy and Sion target independent agents with modular approaches centered on itinerary and commission management. Evaneos promises broader functional coverage, a deep understanding of the field, and direct access to an existing network of agencies.

Founded in 2009 by Éric La Bonnardière and Yvan Wibaux, Evaneos has become a pioneer in European disintermediated travel, connecting travelers with over 1,000 local agencies in nearly 200 destinations. The platform has emerged as an alternative to traditional tour operators, operating on a commission model that promotes competitive pricing and personalization.

In 2018, the company raised 70 million euros from Partech, Level Equity, and Quadrille Capital, as well as historical investors XAnge, Serena Capital, and Bpifrance, to strengthen its international presence and accelerate technological investments.

The 2020 health crisis forced a significant restructuring, with a social plan affecting about 20% of its workforce. During this uncertain period, Evaneos refocused on Europe and France, offering solutions tailored to new traveler expectations, emphasizing proximity, authenticity, and the impact of travel.

By opening its technology to the local agency ecosystem, Evaneos extends its original model from an intermediation platform to an infrastructure provider. This gradual transformation is rooted in acquired experience and may herald a broader shift within vertical marketplaces seeking recurring revenue streams.

D’après FrenchWeb.