Director, Travel Industry Sales

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking a dynamic and experienced Travel Industry Sales, Director for Latin America, and Caribbean.

Job Summary:

This full-time, onsite role is responsible for promoting Greater Miami and Miami Beach as the destination of choice by developing, planning, and managing travel trade programs that will drive visitor demand and leisure sales from Latin America and Caribbean. The Director will lead the day-to-day activities of the GMCVB’s Representation Network throughout the assigned territory and work closely with industry stakeholders, GMCVB members and across all GMCVB departments in all aspects of work.

Principal Accountabilities:

Responsible for planning and development of Travel Industry Sales & Marketing plan and budget for assigned markets, setting goals, and monitoring/managing day-to-day activities of the GMCVB’s representation network including daily management of GMCVB Reps.
Plan and execute B2B activities as well as member participation in GMCVB trade shows, sales missions, seminars, etc. Solicit and secure GMCVB member participation and support for tradeshows, sales missions, and familiarization tours on an ongoing basis. Revenue goals are defined during the goal setting process every year. Secure Contributed Services through member participation for FAMs.
Responsible for promoting Greater Miami and Miami Beach as the destination of choice by developing, planning, and managing travel trade programs that will ultimately drive visitor demand, leisure sales and tax revenues.
Key role in supporting Airport/Seaport partners in further strengthening partnerships with airlines and cruise lines.
Effectively manage territory budgets for the overall Travel Industry Sales & Marketing Plans/Programs.
Manage and lead RFP process for any new GMCVB Representation office.
Sell Greater Miami as a long-haul destination to all prospective clients through various promotion initiatives including but not limited to airline programs, joint destination promotions, travel trade promotions and special events.
Establish and maintain relationships with travel industry professionals.
Increase private revenue through member participation for Tradeshows & GMCVB Sales Missions – Revenue goal to be defined at goal setting process every year.
Support the GMCVB’s Convention Sales when appropriate to attract meetings, conventions, and events.
Follows-up on leads generated by sales & marketing activities; tradeshows or visits potential customers to discuss needs and provide presentations.
Develops referrals and makes contacts with other potential contacts in assigned territory.
Submits comprehensive trip reports within a timely manner.
Make individual, periodic sales calls and presentations in designated markets to familiarize buyers with the latest developments, promotional opportunities, and hospitality services. Provide GMCVB members with opportunities based on these sales calls.
Stay abreast of industry trends; analyzes data and provides market intelligence/insights.
Attend selected industry and community organizations and related meetings and tradeshows.
On-going integration of the Visitor Industry’s Strategic Plan.
Support Multicultural and DEI initiatives with the MTD Department where appropriate.
Serves as in-market spokesperson.
Proactively engage with hotel partners through local in market briefings.
Manage administrative aspects including budget record keeping, budget development and accounting and report preparation.

Nature of Work:

Work is performed under pressure in a fast paced, formal environment. Plans and executes major projects using own initiative. Primarily performs work under established policies and criteria. Although work is performed under established rules, has input in the establishment of policies and rules affecting the job.

Travel:

Out of state/country travel required; approximately 35 percent of the time.

Financial Accountability

Manages a budget of approximately $250,000 to $500,000.

Additional Duties:

May work on special projects from time to time.

Interaction:

External
Interacts with travel industry influencers such as: airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, OTA’s, travel agencies, tourism associations, tradeshow organizers, GMCVB members by means of telephone, written correspondence, other forms of electronic communication and in person.

Internal
Confers with staff, up to the departmental Sr. V.P. level for the purpose of obtaining and disseminating information.

Supervision Received:

Work is performed independently, conferring with supervisor on major projects only. Initiative is required to resolve problems.

Supervision Given:

Exempt Staff positions: 1 Coordinator.
Non-Exempt Staff positions: None.
Contributes to hiring decisions, evaluates the performance of subordinates and makes recommendations for training, maintaining discipline and corrective action when necessary.
Close management and supervision of GMCVB’s Representation Network.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

International Business Development skills and extensive knowledge of travel distribution channels.
College graduate or equivalent in college coursework plus at least five years hotel sales, destination sales, leisure and/or group sales or related sales experience.
Success in this position requires interpersonal skills for frequent interaction with customers as well as to work in a group and maintain a cooperative, team-like attitude with peers and supervisors.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point).
Excellent, phone, verbal, and written communication skills.
Good and consistent attendance.
Demonstrated willingness to work as an individual and in a group.
Will maintain a cooperative, team-like attitude in working with supervisors and fellow employees (including other departments).
Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients
Ability to work independently, exercising good judgment, and initiative.
Flexibility to work long hours, late evenings, and weekends as necessary.
Provides the highest customer service excellence.
Ability to make verbal presentations to groups of various sizes.
Must be well organized with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments and be willing to get involved in projects with varying degrees of difficulty.
Ability to project and recognize potential problems and implement corrective action.

Essential Physical Requirements:

Lifting and setting up equipment and displays.
Standing and walking for considerable periods of time for the purpose of conducting familiarization tours, etc.
Extensive air travel.
Verbal communication is required to organize and direct group presentations.