Andrés Spitzer Takes Helm as CEO at Civitatis

Transition of Leadership at Civitatis

The renowned travel marketplace Civitatis, a leader in offering curated guided tours and activities for Spanish and Portuguese speakers, has announced a significant change in its executive leadership. Alberto Gutiérrez, the company’s founder and current CEO, is stepping down from his position effective January 1st, with Andrés Spitzer, the current Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO), appointed as the new CEO.

Even though Alberto Gutiérrez is handing over daily management, he will remain actively involved as a member of the Board of Directors. His continued participation ensures that the company benefits from his extensive technology expertise and deep industry knowledge as it pursues further growth.

The Legacy of Alberto Gutiérrez

After nearly two decades, Gutiérrez has transformed what began as a personal passion into a global frontrunner in the travel technology sector. Today, Civitatis attracts over 1.2 million travelers monthly who book activities across diverse destinations. One of the hallmarks of his leadership was building a business that balanced rapid expansion with solid profitability, a feat relatively rare in the competitive travel tech industry.

Meet the New CEO: Andrés Spitzer

Andrés Spitzer, with his extensive background in technology and marketplace innovation, including experiences at international firms such as Amazon and Europcar, is tasked with steering Civitatis into its next phase of development. His leadership in product and technology strategy within the company has already yielded positive outcomes, making him an ideal fit to uphold and enhance the company’s market position.

Business Model and Market Position

Civitatis operates a unique platform, skillfully combining both B2C and B2B market channels. Its technology infrastructure supports a user-friendly booking system tightly focused on delivering expertly curated guided tours and activities. This customer-oriented approach emphasizes not only convenience but also the opportunity to enjoy authentic, culturally rich experiences in the user’s preferred language.

The company’s strategy strongly leverages artificial intelligence to streamline the user journey, supplier interactions, and internal operations—all while maintaining the human touch essential for trust in travel experiences.

Operational Leadership and Future Directions

Enrique Espinel, the Chief Operating Officer since the early stages of Civitatis, will continue to oversee operations with a heightened focus on international expansion, particularly across Latin America. This continued emphasis on scaling the company’s footprint reflects its readiness to serve the growing demand for expertly curated travel activities in some of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.

Statements from the Leadership Team

• Alberto Gutiérrez emphasized the confidence in the leadership transition, highlighting Andrés Spitzer’s vision and technical skills to guide the company toward even greater achievements.
• Andrés Spitzer expressed his honor in taking over and his commitment to enhance Civitatis’s value delivery through technology innovation and ecosystem development.
• Vitruvian Partners praised Gutiérrez’s visionary leadership and commitment to profitability and growth, reinforcing their support for the leadership team going forward.
• Mariano Dima, Chairman of Civitatis, acknowledged the solid foundation laid by Gutiérrez and entrusted Spitzer and the executive team to continue seizing opportunities within the vast Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking market worldwide.

Historical Context of Digital Travel Marketplaces

Since the early 2000s, digital platforms catering to travel and tourism activities have revolutionized how people plan and experience their journeys. These marketplaces moved from simple listings to sophisticated ecosystems that blend technology, customer service, and cultural insights. Civitatis, launched in 2008, developed its marketplace aligned with this wave, capitalizing on the rising importance of local language content for travelers in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

Unlike many startups that rely heavily on external funding, Civitatis has charted a unique path by being profitable from the start, a distinguishing factor that signals durability and effective management. Its growth trajectory is a testament to the careful balance between technology adoption and preserving quality human-led experiences, an approach crucial in the realm of travel.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Curated Travel Experiences

With travel reopening globally and an increasing appetite for authentic and immersive experiences, platforms like Civitatis are poised to play an essential role. The rise of AI and digital tools promises to enhance personalization and operational efficiency but must be paired with human expertise to maintain trust and customer satisfaction.

Latin America, a fast-growing market for guided tours and activities, stands out as a strategic focus area, offering diverse coastal and inland destinations that attract travelers eager for engaging cultural and natural experiences. This evolving scenario suggests that curated travel platforms will continue to influence how people interact with destinations, including those accessible by boat or yacht, linking the boating lifestyle with immersive local adventures.

Summary and Conclusion

The leadership transition at Civitatis marks a new chapter for this established marketplace, combining strong technological leadership under Andrés Spitzer with the solid foundational vision of founder Alberto Gutiérrez. The company’s unique blend of profitability, growth, customer focus, and technological innovation positions it to seize greater opportunities in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking markets.

As international travel destinations evolve and water-based tourism such as sailing and boating activities continue to gain popularity, the role of well-curated tour providers becomes increasingly vital. Platforms like Civitatis help travelers enrich their experiences whether they seek adventures on land or by sea.

For those interested in exploring new destinations from the perspective of a yacht or sailing boat, the integration of such curated travel services offers enhanced experiences that go beyond just transportation or accommodation. The seamless booking of guided tours, activities, and authentic encounters complements the joys of sailing and boating holidays perfectly.

To stay updated on the latest in travel industry developments and to find options for yacht charters, boat rentals, marinas, or waterside activities, GetBoat.com remains a premier resource — an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts tailored to every taste and budget, offering access to countless destinations and activities on the water.