The posting
Hotel Sales Manager
Babylonstoren is looking for a Hotel Sales Manager who will be responsible for driving hotel revenue growth by developing new business opportunities, managing relationships with travel agents and tour operators, and converting sales opportunities into confirmed bookings. The role focuses on positioning Babylonstoren as a luxury destination in both local and international markets, with particular emphasis on hotel accommodation, groups, exclusive-use bookings and high-value guests. The Hotel Sales Manager will work closely with the Reservations, Revenue, Marketing and Operations teams to achieve sales and occupancy targets. Requirements: • A tertiary qualification in Hotel Management, Tourism, Marketing, Business Management or a related field will be advantageous. • A minimum of five years’ experience in hotel sales, luxury hospitality or tourism sales. • Proven experience in developing and managing relationships with travel agents and tour operators. • Experience in developing and implementing sales plans that increase revenue and occupancy. • Experience with group bookings, exclusive-use bookings and high-value guests. • Experience in international sales and market development will be advantageous. • Experience attending trade shows, roadshows, sales trips and networking events. • Experience with CRM and hotel reservation systems will be advantageous. • Strong sales, negotiation and presentation skills. • Good financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to analyse sales data and market trends. • Ability to compile sales reports, budgets and market analyses. • Excellent computer skills. • Good understanding of hotel revenue and yield management principles. • Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills. • Results-driven, with a strong focus on achieving sales targets. • Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to make decisions independently. • Excellent organisational and planning skills. • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. • A high level of integrity, professionalism and discretion. • A passion for exceptional guest service and the luxury hospitality industry. • Excellent written and spoken Afrikaans and English. • Willingness to work outside normal working hours, over weekends and on public holidays when business requirements demand it. • Ability to handle confidential business information with appropriate discretion. • In-depth knowledge of the South African and international luxury travel and hospitality markets will be advantageous. • A proven track record of building long-term relationships with travel partners and delivering sustainable sales results. Responsibilities: • Develop and implement the hotel sales plan to increase occupancy and revenue. • Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international travel agents, tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), concierge networks and other luxury travel partners. • Grow agent-generated business from key markets such as the USA, UK, Germany and South Africa. • Plan and attend trade shows, roadshows, agent events, webinars and sales trips to generate new business. • Arrange and manage site inspections, educational visits and familiarisation trips for travel agents and media. • Ensure regular product training for travel agents and sales partners. • Identify new markets and sales channels to support hotel occupancy. • Take responsibility for group enquiries, exclusive-use bookings and special events until they are handed over to the operational team. • Work closely with the Revenue team to ensure sales activities are focused on periods where additional occupancy is required. • Monitor and report on sales activities, new business, agent production and conversion rates. • Maintain regular contact with top-performing agents and identify opportunities to grow their business further. • Develop annual sales plans for key markets and strategic travel partners. • Ensure that Babylonstoren’s product offering, unique experiences and brand are represented accurately and consistently in the market. • Conduct competitor analysis and remain up to date with market trends within the luxury travel and hospitality industry. • Work closely with the Hotel GM, Revenue Manager and Hospitality Director to achieve sales, revenue and occupancy targets.
