UK - Barclays Ventures backs youtravel.com

Barclays Ventures has invested a significant minority stake in youtravel.com, a new internet travel business. The investment forms part of a deal valued at over £15m. youtravel.com, which launched this week, is targeted primarily at travel agents, offering them an exclusive online bed bank for hotels and resorts around the Mediterranean and other worldwide destinations. The site also includes quick reference travel guides, weather reports, and other local information for the consumer market, which is expected to constitute 15% of their business.