About us

Dave Upton - Biography

Dave has an extensive background in the travel industry, starting his career as a key member of the team that developed Trailfinders into Britain's largest independent travel agent, ultimately joining its Board of Directors.

Looking for a better lifestyle, Dave emigrated to Australia in 1983 where he founded The Travel Specialists, bringing international airfare prices within reach of the average person.

In 1997 Dave merged his company with Sydney Flight Centre to form travel.com.au and concentrated his efforts on the technical development of the business.

As CIO he was responsible for the development of the travel.com.au web site, booking engines, fares search engines, back office systems, corporate sites, conference sites, dynamic travel package builder and wholesale booking engine. Travel.com.au is now in the process of being sold to Wotif.com for around A$55 million.

After leaving travel.com.au Dave started his own internet development company, ITbyus, which has built almost 500 websites over the past few years, including 150 for travel companies, many of them well-known.

It was during this work – which continues apace – he saw the opportunity for www.AccommodationGuru.com, which has taken two years to develop. It’s now ready to roll.