Job Advert Summary
We are looking for an experienced and well-connected Leisure Sales Manager to drive strategic sales for our hotel located in Victoria Falls, focusing on the Trade Partners based in South Africa, Zimbabwean, Zambian, Namibian, and Botswana. The portfolio may expand with the inclusion of a Namibian property. The ideal candidate will have an established network within the regional & international leisure trade—spanning Tour Operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and luxury travel partners—with a proven track record of delivering business from FIT, group series, and high-end custom itineraries.
This role is suited to a senior-level leisure sales professional preferably based in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, or Botswana; open to Cape Town or Johannesburg-based candidates with regional travel.
The candidate will play a critical role in positioning the Victoria Falls property within premium trade networks while maintaining strong account relationships and proactively seeking out new opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
- Strong existing network of contacts within the regional and international travel trade industry (TOs, DMCs, wholesalers).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present professionally across cultures and markets.
- Commercially minded with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and remotely while managing travel and reporting responsibilities.
- A passion for travel, regional tourism development, and premium guest experiences.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in leisure sales within the hospitality or tourism industry.
- Deep understanding of and connections in the South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana travel trade networks.
- Demonstrated success in managing and growing key leisure trade accounts and securing consistent room night production.
- Experience working with Opera PMS, CRM platforms, and sales reporting tools is a strong advantage.
Duties and Responsibilities
Regional Market Development & Sales Activation
- Identify, develop, and grow regional partnerships with inbound and regional tour operators, DMCs, and wholesalers specializing in travel to Victoria Falls and surrounding areas.
- Strengthen relationships with travel partners across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana, ensuring repeat and growing business.
- Activate tactical and strategic leisure sales campaigns aligned with business needs and seasonal trends.
Client Engagement & Representation
- Conduct regular sales calls, in-person meetings, and destination trainings.
- Represent the property at regional and international trade shows, workshops, and roadshows.
- Organize and host familiarization trips, site inspections, and product experiences to showcase the hotel offering.
Contracting & Rate Management
- Work with revenue and contracting teams to manage STO agreements, tactical campaigns with key partners.
- Provide insight on pricing strategies with revenue goals and market demand.
Reporting & Strategy
- Submit monthly reporting on source market feedback, account production, and market trends.
- Contribute to the annual leisure sales plan and support the forecasting of room night production per source market and trade partner.
- Monitor competitive activity and regional travel trends to adjust sales focus accordingly.
Collaboration
- Liaise closely with the operations, reservations, and marketing teams to ensure service delivery and brand alignment.
Working Conditions
- Preferred base: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, or Botswana.
- Alternative base: Cape Town or Johannesburg, with frequent regional travel required.
- Must be willing and able to travel for trade shows, partner meetings, and site visits throughout the region and occasionally internationally.
- Some weekend and after-hours work may be required for client hosting and events.