Franchise Hotel - Director of Sales (Leisure)

InterContinental Hotels Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Sales for their leisure segment. This role is pivotal in shaping the resort's market presence, ensuring year-round occupancy through strategic sales initiatives. You'll leverage your extensive industry knowledge and international connections to cultivate valuable partnerships with travel agencies and luxury tour operators. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and thrive in a competitive luxury travel market, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant and inclusive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Wide Range of Benefits

Inclusive Work Environment

Opportunities for Professional Development

Qualifications

• 7-10 years in hotel sales with a focus on leisure segment.
• Experience in luxury island resorts or remote properties.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement leisure sales strategies for the resort.
• Build relationships with key leisure travel partners.

Skills

Strategic and Commercial Mindset

Strong Negotiation Skills

Excellent Communication Skills

Cultural Sensitivity

Results-Oriented

Emotional Intelligence

Flexibility

Passionate about Travel

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management

Master’s Degree (advantage)

Tools

PMS (Opera/Protel)

CRM

Microsoft Office Suite

Salesforce

Delphi

Job description

[aboutus]

Join voco hotels where every hotel has its unique charm, and our thoughtful hosts create a home away from home. Step by step, we're on a journey towards a sustainable future, treating the planet the same way we do our guests. Seeking individuals with as much character as our vibrant hotels. If you thrive on genuine hospitality, your place is with us at voco hotels

[daytoday]

The Director of Sales – Leisure is responsible for leading the strategic development, implementation, and performance of all leisure-related sales activities for the hotel or resort. This position plays a critical role in positioning the resort within the global leisure travel market, ensuring year-round occupancy through targeted sales plans and cultivating long-term partnerships with high-value clients including travel agencies, luxury tour operators, and online travel agents (OTAs).

This role requires a dynamic leader with deep industry knowledge, strong international connections, and a proactive approach to navigating the competitive luxury travel market specific to island destinations.

Strategic Sales Planning & Leadership

• Design and execute the annual leisure sales strategy aligned with the overall business goals of the resort.

• Conduct SWOT analyses and market segmentation to identify revenue opportunities in key source markets (e.g., GCC, Europe, CIS, China, USA).

• Develop tactical promotions to address low-demand periods and stimulate bookings during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

• Collaborate with the Revenue Management team to align rate structures, inventory control, and sales strategy to optimize RevPAR and GOP.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key leisure travel partners, including international tour operators, travel consortia, luxury travel advisors, and inbound DMCs.

• Proactively manage existing accounts and target new high-potential partnerships across various global markets.

• Host familiarization (FAM) trips, site inspections, and destination experiences to secure buy-in from top-producing agents.

Market Representation

• Represent the resort at domestic and international trade shows (e.g., ILTM, ATM, WTM, ITB), roadshows, and events to promote the hotel’s leisure offerings.

• Act as a brand ambassador, conveying the unique selling points of the property and destination to the travel trade.

Sales Performance Management

• Set and monitor sales targets and KPIs for the leisure segment.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual leisure segment forecasts, revenue reports, and productivity analyses.

• Drive productivity through performance reviews, pipeline management, and coaching of the leisure sales team.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Partner with the Marketing and E-commerce teams to design online campaigns, digital offers, and leisure promotions that align with global travel trends.

• Coordinate closely with the Reservations and Front Office teams to ensure seamless booking-to-arrival processes for leisure guests.

• Liaise with the PR and Communications team to promote the property through travel media, influencers, and social media platforms.

People Management & Development

• Lead, inspire, and mentor the Leisure Sales Team to deliver exceptional performance and professional development.

• Provide ongoing training to sales colleagues on market trends, negotiation techniques, and guest personalization strategies.

• Create a strong team culture centered around accountability, results, and customer service excellence.

[requirements]

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Sales or a related field. Master’s degree is an advantage.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in hotel sales, with a proven track record in the leisure segment, including 3–5 years in a senior or director-level role.

• Demonstrated success working in luxury island resorts or remote destination properties.

• Extensive knowledge of international leisure travel markets, including distribution channels, market behavior, and buyer personas.

• Strong experience in contracting with B2B partners, negotiating consortia agreements, and managing global accounts.

• Technically proficient in hotel systems: PMS (Opera/Protel), CRS, CRM, and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Salesforce or Delphi is a plus.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic and Commercial Mindset

• Strong Negotiation and Influencing Skills

• High Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Sensitivity

• Excellent Communication and Presentation Skills

• Results-Oriented and Metrics-Driven

• Resilient, Flexible, and Able to Thrive in Remote Environments

• Passionate about Travel, Luxury Experiences, and Guest Engagement

• Travel Requirements: Frequent international travel required for sales trips, exhibitions, and client visits.

• Working Conditions: Based on-site in an island resort; must be comfortable with remote and tropical living.

• Languages: English fluency required; additional languages (Arabic & Russian) preferred.

[benefits]

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life.
We welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
So, join us and you’ll become part of our hotel family.