Trade Partnership Director USA (Tour Operator)

GENERAL SUMMARY

This associate will be responsible for managing existing, as well as developing, new trade relationships with trade partner tour operators and executing programs to support PTG Consulting’s agreement to provide representation services for Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) in the U.S.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

This position reports directly to the Strategic Head of Trade and will have regular direct contact with the Saudi Tourism Authority team and market players to fully support the project initiatives.

THE ROLE

The Trade Partnership Director USA (Tour Operator) directly impacts the success of STA’s program by ensuring contracted deliverables are met on time and within budget. They will leverage relationships with American tour operators/wholesalers to develop  and adopt Saudi product and other industry players to develop and execute integrated campaigns to increase industry awareness, engagement, and product development to increase visitation to the destination. 

They will use their proven time and project management skills to oversee projects from beginning to end, ensure compliance of internal and external deliverables, and improve or establish new processes and programs as needed.
 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Proactively identify, prospect, network, manage, and develop tour operator accounts for creation and/or adoption of Saudi product among major wholesalers/tour operators in North America
• Develop, implement, and monitor tour operator Saudi product development and activities. Tactics may include product knowledge training, familiarization tours, and support in itinerary/package development.
• Co-develop and implement plans within the U.S. to deliver contractual agreements 
• Conduct sales calls with travel trade partners leveraging existing relationships to ensure destination product is incorporated into annual product catalogs and are actively promoted through sales channels 
• Work with select trade partners to develop new product for sale via B2B and B2C channels under supervision of the Strategic Head of Trade 
• Maintain content for trade partner databases, including tracking of outreach activity, new product, and partner sales
• Develop and conduct online and offline training programs including FAM trips to educate travel trade partners on destination offerings 
• Represent STA at select key tradeshows, roadshows, and consumer events 
• Manage events including budget development, planning, securing services, managing lists, and supporting promotional materials 
• Develop content and materials for use in trade outreach, events, and education activities 
• Provide content to assist with timely client reports that communicate results against contracted deliverables 
• Negotiate pricing for services by third party vendors
• Provide other support to Strategic Head of Trade and Strategic Country Manager as needed 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years experience in travel trade sales, marketing, and/or selling global destinations in the U.S.
• Established network within the U.S. travel trade market
• Demonstrated track record of success 
• Experience developing and implementing co-operative marketing programs within the American travel trade market 
• Extensive knowledge of online and offline tourism marketing and travel distribution channels 
• Proven project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines 
• Experience in working with third-party vendors including price negotiation  
• Experience in planning and managing budgets
• Experience in developing and delivering online and in-person training 
• Event planning experience 
• Superior verbal and written communicator
• Highly organized, self-starter, motivated, and results oriented
• Team player and relationship builder 
• Skilled in Microsoft Office programs