Hotel Sales Manager

About the role

A client of ARVO is looking for a results-driven Hotel Sales Manager in Franschhoek, Western Cape. The role grows hotel revenue by developing new business, building strong relationships with travel agents and tour operators, and turning sales opportunities into confirmed bookings. It positions the destination as a luxury hospitality offering, focusing on hotel stays, groups, exclusive use and high-value guests, and works closely with Reservations, Revenue, Marketing and Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the hotel sales strategy to increase occupancy and revenue.
• Build and maintain relationships with travel agents, tour operators, DMCs, concierge networks and luxury travel partners, and increase agent 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; arrange site inspections, educational visits and familiarisation trips.
• Ensure regular product training for travel agents and sales partners, and identify new markets and sales channels.
• Manage group enquiries, exclusive-use bookings, special events and other high-value sales until handed over to operations.
• Work with the Revenue team to focus sales on periods needing extra occupancy, and monitor and report on sales activity, new business, agent production and conversion rates.
• Develop annual sales plans for key markets and partners, and conduct competitor analysis and market trend monitoring.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Hotel Management, Tourism, Marketing, Business Management or a related field (advantageous).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in hotel sales, luxury hospitality or tourism sales.
• Proven experience managing travel agent and tour operator relationships and developing sales strategies.
• Experience with group bookings, exclusive use and high-value guests; international sales and trade show experience advantageous.
• Excellent Afrikaans and English, spoken and written.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays, when required.

Required skills

• Sales, negotiation and presentation skills, with good financial and commercial acumen.
• Ability to analyse sales data and market trends, and strong reporting, budgeting and market analysis skills.
• Knowledge of hotel and revenue management principles.
• Strong computer skills, and experience with CRM and hotel reservation systems is advantageous.