Gekko Brings Personalized Travel Booking to Facebook: New App Turns Friends' Tips Into Best-Priced Trips

SAN FRANCISCO, LONDON and AMSTERDAM, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Gekko, the personalized international hotel booking service, today unveils a one-stop Facebook application that simplifies travel planning and purchasing - with the help of friends and trusted sources- via the world's leading social network.

The Gekko Facebook app collects and organizes travel recommendations from friends; introduces a one-click "Request-a-Deal" button which lets hotels, restaurants and bars reply directly with personalized offers; allows Facebook-only deals targeting travelers based on their tastes; and allows users to book at the best available price.

"Gekko is evolving the hotel discount model," said Gekko CEO Michel Cassius. "Consumers get the best price and are offered highly personalized deals by hotels worldwide and by restaurants, clubs and bars. And with our full Facebook integration we add the social layer to the booking process, making it both engaging and fun."

The Gekko app optimizes what travelers have always done: turn to well travelled and like-minded friends for insider information and tips. According to polling site Toluna, 40 percent of consumer travel decisions are based on input from friends and family.

"Gekko understands that the advice of good friends is invaluable," said Bas Lemmens, Gekko director and a former partner at Booking.com, part of Priceline.com. "Now, over 750 million people on Facebook can turn to their friends for travel advice and immediately gain access to the best prices available based on these recommendations."

More than just a powerful booking tool, Gekko is a fun and easy way to exchange useful tips and track great travel discoveries. Members can share lists of favorites and offer personal insights on any topic, from the general (beachfront hotels) to the specific (midtown Manhattan sake bars).

Find Gekko here: http://www.facebook.com/gekko

About Gekko

Gekko was founded by Internet entrepreneur Dino van Es, the co-founder of Zecco, one of the fastest growing online stock brokerage firms. Gekko is led by CEO Michel Cassius, who co-founded YoYo Games and has held senior positions at Microsoft's Xbox and Electronic Arts.

Gekko has partnerships with Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, TravelIntelligence.com, LateRooms.com, TravelNow.com, LastMinute.com, Venere and Hotels Combined. Gekko is a venture-backed company; its initial funding was led by Velocity Capital.

More information about Gekko on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/gekko and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/gekko.

SOURCE Gekko.com