Location: Irvington,VA, USA
Company Overview:
Our company is a leading hospitality group that owns and operates exquisite luxury resorts in unique destinations. Twin Farms is a globally renowned, award-winning resort located in the pristine forests of Barnard, Vermont, and The Cove Eleuthera is also an award-winning, highly recognized resort located in The Bahamas. We pride ourselves on providing unparalleled luxury experiences and personalized service to our guests. With a focus on creating unforgettable experiences, we are seeking an experienced Director of Leisure Sales to join our team.
Job Summary:
The Director of Leisure Sales will play a crucial role in driving revenue growth by overseeing and executing the leisure sales strategies for our two luxury resorts in addition to selling leisure groups and buyouts in the case of Twin Farms. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and developing relationships with travel agencies, wholesale and other industry partners interested in the Caribbean market and the Vermont/Northeast market preferred. This role requires a deep understanding of the leisure travel industry, group sales and servicing of groups, exceptional sales skills, and the ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with key stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement strategic sales plans to drive leisure revenue for both resorts, focusing on the Caribbean market, the Northeast region and key international markets.
* Sell and turnover groups on behalf of Twin Farms.
* Sell and turnover buyouts on behalf of Twin Farms.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, wholesalers, and other industry partners to drive business to the resorts.
* Conduct regular sales visits and training sessions with travel agencies and key accounts to increase brand awareness and promote our resorts unique offerings.
* Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective promotional campaigns and initiatives to generate demand and increase bookings.
* Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and guest feedback to identify opportunities for business growth and provide recommendations to the executive team.
* Represent the company at industry trade shows, travel events, and other networking opportunities to strengthen brand presence and establish new partnerships.
* Collaborate closely with revenue management to optimize pricing strategies and maximize profitability.
* Prepare and present regular sales reports, performance analysis, and forecasts to senior management.
* Use sales system at 'expert level' for concentrated market penetration, reporting on specific strategies and effectiveness, recording all client communications and establishing a system of client follow up
* Use of social media and other research/prospecting tools to reach potential industry partners and target audiences.
* Continuously grow knowledge of competitive markets and destinations
* Involvement in industry organizations representing opportunities for market intelligence
* Provide consistent reporting as requested from the Director of Sales & Marketing, VP of Sales & Marketing and Managing Directors including month end recaps and monthly Strategic Sales Plan.
Qualifications
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in leisure sales within the hospitality industry, preferably in luxury resorts or hotels.
* Strong understanding and experience in selling and servicing leisure groups and traditional group sales.
* Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
* Deep knowledge of the Northeast market and the Caribbean market, specifically the Bahamas, and familiarity with travel agencies and tour operators specializing in the region.
* Strong network of contacts within the leisure travel industry, including key decision-makers at travel agencies, tour operators, and wholesalers.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ability to travel internationally, including regular visits to the Bahamas resort.
* Ability to travel as needed to Vermont year-round and other critical destinations as required to successfully execute role.
* Highly motivated and results-oriented individual with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and CRM software.
* Bachelor's degree in business, Hospitality Management, or a related field.