Sales Executive - Leisure

Role Overview

Sales Executive - Leisure at Accor, based at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxury 5-star beachfront resort on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Company Overview

Sofitel Dubai The Palm is a luxurious 5-star beachfront resort nestled on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, featuring 360 contemporary guest rooms and suites, 182 serviced apartments, and 4 ultra-luxury villas. The resort includes Sofitel Spa with L'Occitane, a Fitness Centre, Kids Club, and 7 restaurants, 5 bars, and lounges. The property combines French elegance with a tropical setting on the Arabian Gulf, positioning itself as a sanctuary where "life lives."

Role Purpose

To manage a portfolio of key accounts, key prospects, and active accounts in the leisure segment, driving sales production to meet targets through consistent relationship management, site visits, and coordination with internal departments to deliver superior guest service and maximize resort revenue.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management

• Manage a pre-determined number of key accounts and key prospects to ensure maximum production against set targets.
• Manage assigned accounts with focus on local DMCs and selected UK accounts.
• Maintain valid call objectives and relevant action plans for each key account and key prospect, ensuring timely follow-up.
• Maintain up-to-date activity and rate information for each account.
• Keep active relationships with overseas partners with a minimum of 2 conference calls per week.

Sales Activities

• Complete a minimum of 2-3 sales calls weekly.
• Attend various trade shows and assigned sales trips with accurate follow-up reporting.
• Conduct any site inspections as required.
• Arrange and manage familiarization and educational trips in line with business needs.
• Prepare special FIT offers and communicate new offers to clients with accurate follow-up.
• Ensure adequate sales kits are available for all visits.

Inventory & Operations

• Manage VIP villa booking inventory.
• Ensure all accounts are properly updated in the system.
• Ensure all activities and production are recorded in Opera and ASA per Sofitel standards.
• Maintain accurate rate sheets at all times.

Group & Event Coordination

• Action any group and event enquiry and ensure accurate handover to the Inspired Meeting team for follow-up.
• Respond within 24 hours to any group inquiry, checking space and rates in system and communicating to the respective manager.
• Follow up with Sales Manager to obtain and confirm all event-related information in a timely manner.

Client & Internal Communication

• Communicate client requirements in a timely and accurate manner to all internal departments to ensure delivery of superior guest service.
• Ensure accurate follow-up and communication with reservations and accounting departments.
• Provide confirmation to clients.
• Communicate any obstacles to completing action plans to the Sales Manager or ADOS.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in hotel sales, preferably within the leisure segment.
• Good knowledge of leisure markets, travel agencies, tour operators, and DMCs.
• Good knowledge of the Dubai hospitality and leisure market (advantageous).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent relationship-building capabilities.
• Results-oriented with a proactive approach to business development.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Information

• Must be flexible to accommodate irregular or extended hours.