Darko Cugalj
About Darko Cugalj
Darko Cugalj is an Account Manager for East Adriatic at Expedia, Inc., with extensive experience in the travel and hospitality industry.
Current Title and Role
Darko Cugalj currently holds the position of Account Manager for East Adriatic at Expedia, Inc., a role he has been engaged in since 2019. Based in Prague, Czech Republic, he focuses on developing relationships with hotel partners in the East Adriatic region. His responsibilities include negotiating promotions and contract options, which aim to enhance the competitiveness and revenue for these hotel partners.
Previous Experience at Expedia Group
Prior to his current role, Darko Cugalj worked as a Lodging Partner Associate for the East Adriatic Market at Expedia Group. From 2018 to 2019, he contributed to finance, product, and content advancements. His role dealt with the finer aspects of advising and supporting hotel partners, reinforcing their connection with Expedia's expansive travel network.
Professional Background in the Hospitality Industry
Before joining Expedia Group, Darko gained significant experience in the hospitality industry. He worked at Design Hotel Josef in Prague as a Front Desk Agent from 2017 to 2018. This followed a stint as a Front Office Manager at Anqor Management Limited from 2016 to 2017. Earlier in 2015, he held the position of Hotel Manager at Hotel Palma in Budva, Montenegro, and in 2014, he served as Assistant Hotel Manager at the same hotel, a position he had from 2008 to 2012.
Education and Academic Background
Darko Cugalj has a diverse educational background. He studied at Filozofski Fakultet Petrinja in the Department of Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian Language, achieving a Bachelor’s degree between 1995 and 1996. He also attended Srednjoskolski Centar Djuro Radmanovic, where he studied Tourism and Hospitality Management, earning his High School Diploma from 1991 to 1995.
Expertise and Skills
Darko Cugalj has expertise in several key areas related to the travel and hospitality industries. His skills include developing effective sales strategies, educating hotel partners on utilizing Expedia Partner Central, and supporting the onboarding process for new hotel partners. Additionally, he has experience in staff responsibility, including hiring and leadership roles, which have equipped him with the capability to manage and drive successful teams in fast-paced environments.