Managing Director - Travel & Tourism

Company Overview: Our client’s company was founded over 50 years ago to provide services in the tourism sector. Since 2011 it is a diversified conglomerate that operates in several sectors, including tourism, transportation, and ceramics. Within the tourism sector, the company operates travel agencies, overseas sales offices, hotels, and restaurants and has invested in retail businesses. In the transportation sector, the company manages a fleet of buses and operates a balloon company in the aviation sector. The company has 25 offices in 26 countries and activity in 70+ countries worldwide.

:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Managing Director to lead our B2B travel management company. The successful candidate will be responsible for building new business relationships across the travel industry network to include tourism organizations, tour operators, cruise companies, travel agents, suppliers, and company local offices to expand businesses and sales in the US.

The goal will be to champion travel destinations in the regions of Turkey, Southeast Europe and Western Asia. Tours may include package tours, adventure tours, cultural tours, eco tours and more!

The position will report to the CEO and work closely with the COO and the Chief Sales Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Counsel clients and promote destinations to include Turkey and nearby regions.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, and work closely with the internal stakeholders to develop new business opportunities.
• Continually target and prospect for new business through networking, individual creativity, and innovation.
• Attend travel shows and fairs, mainly in the US, and represent the company and country, expand the businesses and sales from the US with promotions and tie-ins.
• Manage the daily operations of the NY office and report to HQ on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
• Solicit and build relationships with trade and tourism organizations [travel agencies, tour operators, etc.] to meet/exceed revenue goals through outside sales calls, site visits, written communication, trade shows, etc.
• Build and manage a high-performing team, starting with two junior Direct Reports that are already on the team.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field.
• Proven track record of delivering sales growth and achieving targets.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to travel extensively, attend trade shows, and build relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Excellent existing network in the travel industry and a talent for expanding it.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the travel industry, with a focus on B2B sales and marketing.
• Expertise and commitment to strategically expand the business and operate as a valued business partner, driven by a deep passion for company growth.