Executive Director - Trade & Distribution

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1- Distribution Channel Management: Build, develop, and maintain a robust pipeline of key prospects. Manage relationships with all leisure travel trade partners, including tour operators, travel agencies, OTAs, and other trade stakeholders ie airlines. Negotiate contracts, develop joint marketing initiatives, and ensure the destination is effectively promoted through their distribution channels.
2- Product Development: Collaborate with travel trade partners to develop attractive and marketable travel packages and experiences. Identify opportunities for new product development and work with stakeholders to create unique offerings that align with the destination’s brand and target markets.
3- Trade Shows, Events, and Fam trips: Plan and coordinate the DMO’s participation in trade shows, and industry events, and attend all events. Host familiarization trips for travel trade partners. Engage with key stakeholders, to promote the destination’s attractions, accommodations, and experiences.
4- Market Research and Analysis: working closely with the Strategy department, conduct trade market research including leading trade focus groups to identify travel trade trends and competitor activities, to inform trade marketing strategies, and identify growth opportunities.
5- Collaborative Partnerships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with travel trade associations, industry partners, and destination marketing organizations. Collaborate on joint marketing initiatives, share best practices, and leverage resources to maximize distribution channels and increase visitor arrivals and spending.
6- Performance Measurement: Develop and implement performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of trade marketing. Initiatives analyze performance indicators, such as bookings, revenue, and market share, to measure the success of trade marketing partnerships and campaigns.

7- Team leadership: Whilst initially, this is the first role to be filled within the travel trade department in due course, we anticipate the successful candidate playing a critical role in building and then managing a team. As this evolves, we expect this individual to provide leadership and guidance to the trade marketing and distribution team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. To set clear goals, provide ongoing feedback, and support professional development opportunities for team members.

Qualifications

- Required: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. Preferred Master's Degree.
- Proven experience in trade marketing, distribution, or a related field, preferably in the tourism industry
- Strong understanding of travel trade dynamics, including tour operators, travel agencies, and online travel agencies

Years of Experience

15 - 19 years of experience