Challenge
Scaling acquisition while maintaining efficiency
As part of SNCF Connect & Tech, SNCF Connect, France’s leading travel booking platform, helps travelers take smarter, more sustainable journeys across France and beyond. A longtime Criteo partner, SNCF Connect has relied on retargeting to drive consistent performance since 2017.
With rising competition in the travel sector, SNCF Connect was looking to scale its acquisition strategy to capture new high-value travelers without sacrificing profitability. After Criteo outperformed a competing retargeting provider, SNCF Connect selected Criteo as its sole retargeting partner—reinforcing trust in the partnership and paving the way for a broader, full-funnel strategy that would deliver incremental growth.
Solution
Activating data-driven targeting to convert high-intent audiences
SNCF Connect partnered with Criteo to activate a data driven acquisition strategy using Criteo AI and commerce data. The custom strategy targeted travelers planning flights to key European destinations also served by SNCF’s rail network—highlighting the cost, convenience, and city-center access benefits of train travel.
By using Criteo’s travel intent signals and commerce data, SNCF Connect reached high-intent audiences with personalized messaging that aligned with their top destination priorities. Campaign performance was rigorously measured using Wizaly with a 30-day post click and 1-day post view attribution window to ensure accuracy and transparency.
“Criteo’s technology, audience capabilities, and full funnel performance have helped us enhance our acquisition strategy and improve performance beyond what we experienced with retargeting alone.”
–Aly Amery Diallo, Display and Social Media Manager, SNCF Connect & Tech
Results
Delivering incremental growth with higher ROAS and lasting impact
The Criteo-powered acquisition campaign delivered +55% higher return on ad spend compared to SNCF Connect’s best performing retargeting campaign, all while maintaining competitive acquisition costs.
By using Criteo AI and deep travel commerce data, SNCF Connect was able to capture new market share and prove that acquisition campaigns can drive incremental, profitable growth with the right strategy and technology partner.
“Criteo remained the most effective channel in helping us achieve our objectives. It was a strong confirmation that our long-term trust since 2017 was well placed and that this partnership continues to be a key driver of our success.”
This success has reinforced SNCF Connect’s trust in Criteo as a long-term partner in driving sustainable, profitable growth in a competitive travel landscape.
“We see Criteo as a long-term partner because they consistently deliver strong results over time, even as new challenges and competitors emerge in the market.”
–Aly Amery Diallo, Display and Social Media Manager, SNCF Connect & Tech
