Responsible for the Group Sales reservations process for travel agencies and direct guests focusing on new business and Charter opportunities. Responsibilities include developing a book of business and sales support to reach Group Sales goals, working with Inside Sales Advisors, making sales presentations, marketing materials, and trainings available to travel advisors in order to grow sales with Tauck Groups; as well as Agency visits to promote the Group Sales department, which sometimes requires both local and out-of-state travel. This position requires significant interaction with Tauck’s Yield Management, Sales Team, Group Service Team, Air Team and NAM’s on an ongoing basis as well as relationship building with travel advisors and direct guests, which will require communication via phone and e-mail.
The role includes developing a Sales Plan to drive new group business to Tauck Groups on all Tauck products and services, as well as the development of new group sales opportunities with new and existing partnerships.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate the Tauck brand values with passion and conviction through excellent Group presentations.
- Guide agents and consumers through the points of difference between Tauck and competitors.
- Understand trends in the market and proactively drive results within Group Sales.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
- Develop and execute strategies to increase sales of river cruises and charters, focusing on group sales and corporate clients.
- Solicit new business through proactive outreach, networking, and relationship building within the industry.
- Manage the entire sales process from inquiry through contract completion, ensuring a seamless experience for clients.
- Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to create compelling group packages and promotions.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and tradeshows to enhance brand visibility and forge strategic partnerships.
- Process group space requests with yield management, which includes contract issuance, follow-up, collateral requests, and general information regarding worldwide group reservations.
- The Group booking process includes:
- Processing space requests, group contract negotiation, reservation preparation and finalization to include billing, comps and commission preparation.
- Interaction with NAMs to communicate group space requests and leads. This includes lead identification, historical sales conversion and general communication in order to meet the company’s group sales goals.
- Work directly with WWO as necessary to provide additional services as needed above and beyond the Tauck offering (including FIT requests, transfers and additional hotel contracts as necessary).
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven experience in sales management, preferably in the travel, tourism, or hospitality industry, with a focus on river cruising and charters.
- Strong ability to generate new business and build long-term client relationships.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of achieving sales targets.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field.