WorldHotels, a global sales, marketing and distribution company is further strengthening its online focus by appointing Franco Sterl as Director E-Commerce. Sterl, who joined the group this month, will be based in Berlin, Germany.
Two years ago, WorldHotels introduced World Online, a program designed to drive additional direct bookings to independent hotels and the appointment of Sterl is a further indication of the company’s commitment to expanding its digital marketing capabilities. “We are very glad to welcome Franco to our group. Franco’s priorities will be to grow the WorldHotels E-Commerce team, to maximize the production through our member hotels’ own websites and ultimately position WorldHotels as a key partner for our members’ digital marketing needs. With his proven track record in the online world, Franco will help Worldhotels to expand the groups’ focus on digital expertise and services”, says Geoff Andrew, CEO of WorldHotels.
Sterl is a digital expert with more than 10 years’ experience working with global hotel groups and chains. Most recently before joining Worldhotels, Sterl worked as Director of Digital Marketing & eCommerce and Member of the Executive Board at Leonardo Hotels Europe in Berlin, where he restructured the former E-Commerce department and successfully introduced the “NYX by Leonardo Hotels” brand on the European market. He has also served as eCommerce Manager at B&B Hotels GmbH, where he managed the eCommerce department and the strategic management and development of the company website.
“E-Commerce at WorldHotels shows great potential in terms of optimization and growth. My goal is to increase the E-Commerce offerings for WorldHotels member hotels and to develop strategies to lead the group forward”, adds Sterl.
About WorldHotels Collection
Newly relaunched, the WorldHotels™ Collection delivers proven soft brand solutions for a curated global offering of over 350 of the finest independent hotels and resorts. Founded by hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, only WorldHotels curates the best independent properties around the globe, each reflective of the locale by offering intuitive service, and a refined sense of character. WorldHotels’ proprietary ‘Start With Why’ philosophy helps each hotel identify their unique set of assets that distinguish and elevate their guest experience and revenue generation performance from the competition. Geared to both business and leisure travelers, the WorldHotels Collection is classified into three tiers allowing guests to select the offering that meets their needs: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite and WorldHotels Distinctive.