Destination Manager

G2 Travel; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wholesale tour operator in Greater London is seeking a Destination Manager to oversee hotel contracting. This role involves securing exclusive rates, managing supplier relations, and achieving revenue targets. Candidates should possess exceptional negotiation skills, significant experience in hotel contracting, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The position requires a professional attitude in a fast-paced environment and the ability to analyze data for strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in negotiating FIT contracts with hotel partners.
• Significant and recent experience of hotel contracting in the destination.
• IT proficiency including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for FIT contracting of hotels.
• Secure exclusive rates and inventory through negotiations.
• Achieve room night and revenue targets by optimizing rates.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Hotel contracting experience

Commercial skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

“We are looking for a dynamic professional with a strong network of contacts within the destination and a proven track record in negotiating FIT contracts with hotel partners. The ideal candidate is an excellent team player who thrives in a fast-paced, competitive environment and can deliver results with energy and professionalism.”

The Company

“People don’t take trips – trips take people”

… and we’re in the business of planning and organising trips all over the globe for almost half a million travellers each year.

We’re G2 Travel, a wholesale tour operator with a network of offices spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

We’re not a corporation and don’t behave like one – results are achieved through collaboration and teamwork – a place where everyone gets noticed.

We believe that work should be enjoyable, stimulating and fun!

The Role

The Destination Manager is responsible for FIT contracting of hotels. The Destination Manager has ownership of all aspects of the commercial relationship and is responsible for ensuring G2 Travel has the most competitive offering. The role will report to the Regional Manager.

Key Activities:

• Securing exclusive rates, inventory and conditions with a portfolio of hotels through negotiations and management of supplier relations.
• Achieving room night and/or revenue-based targets through on-going monitoring and optimization of the competitiveness of contracted rates and availability.
• Be the hotel expert of your assigned region, having in-depth knowledge and understanding of your markets.
• Identify key new strategic accounts & suppliers within assigned market to be targeted
• Constant monitoring of competitiveness of negotiated and contracted rates. Monitor usage of contracted allocations
• Developing and ensuring strong relations with sales leaders and management worldwide. Providing regular feedback and identifying any new ideas or potential issues.
• Analyzing and evaluating data and providing recommendations to management based on the findings.
• Leading training and coaching initiatives as required and supporting with ad-hoc projects.
• Represent G2 at Trade Shows and other events as required
• Regular hotel visits and business trips within contracting area

Key Relationships with external hotel/accommodation partners at all levels including:

• Hotel partners
• Regional and Head of Destination Management
• Reservation Team
• Finance
• Sales
• Operations Management

The Requirements

• Exceptional negotiation skills with the ability to interact and influence at all levels of an organization including hotel management and owners.
• Significant and recent experience of hotel contracting in the destination.
• Strong commercial skills with a working knowledge of hotel distribution. Up to date with hotel distribution channels and technology especially with regards channel managers.
• Driven to succeed with a professional ‘can do’ attitude and work ethic. Able to work to deadlines independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with robust verbal and written English.
• Proficient at evaluating and analysing data in order to determine and execute the necessary strategies needed to achieve growth.
• IT proficiency including good working knowledge of Microsoft office, in particular excel.