Gekko Group accelerates its direct hotel contracting expansion across Europe

Gekko Group, a leading player in B2B hotel distribution, is accelerating the development of its directly contracted hotel portfolio across six key European markets. To support this expansion, the Group welcomes Cristiana Sartore and Silvia Villazala as Strategic Hotel Account Managers for Northern and Southern Europe.

Cristiana Sartore will oversee the UK, Benelux and DACH markets, while Silvia Villazala will lead direct contracting activities across Spain, Italy and Portugal.

A stronger local presence across key European markets

Through this expansion, Gekko Group aims to strengthen its relationships with hotel partners and further enrich its directly contracted inventory with competitive rates and conditions negotiated at a local level.

By combining local market expertise with the reach of its B2B distribution network, the Group will provide hotel partners with greater visibility while offering travel professionals an increasingly diverse, reliable and competitive hotel portfolio.

Strengthening our direct contracting capabilities is a key part of our European development strategy. Cristiana and Silvia bring extensive industry experience and a strong understanding of their respective markets. Their expertise will help us build lasting relationships with hotel partners and deliver even greater value across our distribution network.

Antoine Marmain, VP Supply of Gekko Group.

Extensive hotel distribution expertise

Cristiana Sartore, Strategic Hotel Account Manager Northern Europe, joins Gekko Group with more than 20 years of experience in online travel and global hotel distribution across both B2B and B2C markets.

Throughout her career, she has held strategic positions at major industry players including Expedia, WebBeds, Hotelbeds, Miki Travel and GTA. Her expertise includes the development of directly contracted hotel portfolios, partner visibility, revenue management and destination growth. Hotel partners based in the UK, Benelux or DACH region can contact Cristiana directly to explore contracting opportunities: [email protected] | +44 7775 519983.

Silvia Villazala, Strategic Hotel Account Manager Southern Europe, also brings more than 20 years of experience in online travel and global hotel distribution. Before joining Gekko Group, she served as Market Manager Europe at Trip.com Group, where she expanded the platform’s direct hotel portfolio in Spain and Portugal and helped improve hotel performance, drawing on her expertise in the Chinese outbound market. She previously worked as Business Development Manager at Expedia Group and Market Manager at Orbitz Worldwide. Hotel partners based in Spain, Italy or Portugal can contact Silvia directly to explore contracting opportunities: [email protected] | +34 650 70 68 53.

These appointments mark a new milestone in Gekko Group’s European expansion, strengthening its local expertise and direct hotel partnerships across strategic markets.