Driftwood Hospitality Management’s company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services — all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel.
About the Role
The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is seeking a highly driven and strategic Leisure Travel Sales Manager to lead the development and growth of key leisure travel segments, including luxury advisors, consortia, tour operators, online travel agencies, wholesale partners, and cruise-related business, while also supporting negotiated business travel accounts. This role is responsible for driving revenue through proactive sales strategies, relationship building, account development, and collaboration with internal teams to maximize market share and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
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Identify, solicit, and secure new leisure travel, corporate, and business travel accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals
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Develop and grow relationships with luxury travel advisors, travel agencies, consortia, tour operators, wholesalers, and other leisure- focused partners.
- Create and execute strategic sales plans targeting local, regional, national, and international leisure travel markets.
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Drive production from key leisure accounts through regular business reviews, performance tracking, and account development initiatives.
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Create and cultivate relationships with luxury travel networks and consortia, including Virtuoso, Signature, Ensemble, and other preferred partner programs to capture high-rated business
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Develop and maintain partnerships with retail travel agencies, tour operators, and specialty leisure travel providers to capture high-rated transient business.
- Establish and manage relationships with Port Canaveral wholesalers, cruise partners, and pre- and post-cruise travel providers.
- Analyze market trends, booking patterns, competitive activity, and consumer travel behaviors to identify opportunities and adjust sales strategies accordingly.
- Partner closely with Revenue Management to align pricing, promotions, segmentation, and inventory strategies to optimize profitability.
- Negotiate preferred agreements, partnership opportunities, and promotional programs with leisure travel partners and corporate/government local accounts.
- Collaborate with Marketing to develop targeted campaigns, promotions, and partnership initiatives that increase awareness and bookings.
- Provide forecasting, reporting, and pipeline analysis to support budget and revenue planning.
- Represent the hotel and brand at industry events, trade shows, sales missions, and networking functions focused on leisure travel and luxury hospitality.
- Lead and participate in client presentations, site inspections, familiarization (FAM) tours, and partner events.
- Mentor and support junior sales team members or coordinators as applicable.
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Lead the annual RFP process, including strategy, pricing recommendations, and submission through Marriott systems
- Partner with Visit Space Coast on driving visitor growth to Cocoa Beach
Qualifications
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Minimum of 3+ years of hotel sales experience, with a strong focus on leisure travel sales, luxury travel, or transient market segments.
- Marriott luxury brand experience strongly preferred
- Proven Experience working with luxury travel advisors, consortia, tour operators, wholesalers, and high-end leisure clients preferred
- Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth across multiple segments, including corporate and leisure travel partnerships and account development
- Strong understanding of leisure travel distribution channels, including consortia, and OTA’s.
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Experience developing and managing relationships with cruise-related travel partners
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
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Experience with Marriott systems, RFP platforms, and CRM tools preferred
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills
- Ability to travel locally/regionally as needed
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Florida based position
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Skills and Knowledge
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Aggressive negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business with a high conversion ratio.
- Possesses software knowledge (Microsoft Office, etc.).
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Possesses systems knowledge (Delphi and Delphi Diagrams).
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Must be able to “Knock on doors” to get the business
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Knows how to conduct research on the Internet.
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Weekly prospecting and soliciting goals
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Uncovering new customers
- Effective sales skills to up-sell products and services
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Knowledge of menu planning, food presentation, and banquet and event service operations
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Ability to manage guest room and meeting space inventories
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Strong customer development and relationship management skills
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Knowledge of overall hotel operations as they affect department
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Knowledge of AV products and services at both hotels
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Knowledge of contract management and legalities
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Financial management skills e.g., ability to understand P&L statements, manage operating budgets, forecasting and scheduling
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Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
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Strong problem-solving skills
- Strong customer and associate relation skills
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Strong presentation and platform skills
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Strong organization skills
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Strong “Closing skills”
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Strong “persuasion” skills
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Ability to use standard software applications and hotel systems
- Effective decision making skills
Frequent walking, standing, sitting, hearing, talking, smiling. Lifting, pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds.
Benefits
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401(k)
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Disability insurance
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Employee assistance program
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Health insurance
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Life insurance
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Paid time off
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Room Discounts
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Employee Food and Beverage Discounts
EEO: Driftwood Hospitality Management is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
