Roomer, the online marketplace for travel, connecting travelers who are stuck with a nonrefundable hotel room with those looking for a last minute, discounted accommodation, announced that Richie Karaburun has joined its team as the new Managing Director for North America.
Karaburun comes to the new start-up with over 19 years experience in the travel industry, where he is recognized as a travel industry expert based on proven successes in helping travel companies start and develop a growth strategy and business.
“I’m excited to join a new brand like Roomer, that is truly pioneering the online hotel space, doing what no other company has done before; providing a solution for non-refundable hotel room cancellations in a way that is both helpful and trustworthy to all parties affected by these cancellations,” said Karaburun. “As the industry continues to evolve especially in this online marketplace, I am proud to be able to impart my expertise and work to strategically meet the needs and continue to provide a solution to our partners, both domestically and internationally.”
Having held previous positions in sales, marketing and business development at various organizations, Karaburun is truly an expert in providing strategic counsel with record success within the tourism field. Prior to joining Roomer, Karaburun was Vice President of Global Supplier Relations at RADIUS, President at GTA North America, and Vice President of Product Development and Contracting at Americantours International, achieving high value revenue and profit gains, gaining large scale cost savings, improving organizational productivity and performance at each.
“With Richie’s experience spanning nearly two decades in the travel industry, we are thrilled to be welcoming him to the Roomer team,” said CEO and Co-Founder, Gon Ben-David. “Aside from his obvious success leading established brands within North America, his passion for strategic problem solving coupled with his skills as an operator and relationship builder is what excites us the most as a new brand with so much growth potential.”
Affectionately titled the CCO (Chief Cancellation Officer), Karaburun will bring unprecedented experience and knowledge of diverse international, cultural and business practices. Overseeing Roomer’s overall sales and marketing strategy for North America, Karaburun will work closely with hotels and travel companies around the world to both expand their customer bases and to solve critical customer service problems relating to canceling guests with nonrefundable reservations.
Roomer offers a marketplace for non-refundable hotel reservations: Users post their room, roomer verifies the reservation, and other travelers can then browse and purchase hotel deals. This socially responsible site for hotel booking allows people to sell their hotel reservations in case of cancellation, giving them the opportunity to reduce cancellation fees and even eliminate them entirely. Buyers also get the opportunity to get major discounts on hotel rooms, as they buy the reservation from others. For more information, please visit: www.roomertravel.com or call 1 (646) 571-2170.
