VisitBritain (VB) is the national tourism agency, responsible for marketing Britain worldwide and developing Britain’s visitor economy. We work with UK Trade & Investment as well as airlines, tour operators, global brands and the official tourism bodies for London, England, Scotland and Wales.
Our purpose is to drive a thriving tourism industry, creating economic prosperity across Britain.
We are positioning Britain as a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive destination, and prioritising regional and seasonal dispersal to drive productivity.
Alongside this, we continue to strengthen English tourism by leading and enabling a sustainable and resilient visitor economy.
Based within the British Consulate in Manhattan’s Midtown East this is a hybrid role working 2 days as mandatory within the office.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Travel Trade & Aviation Director to lead our USA-based travel trade team, headquartered in New York. This role is pivotal in enhancing Britain’s profile as a must-visit destination for American travelers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in international travel and tourism/hospitality, combined with exceptional team management skills, including remote team oversight.
Key Responsibilities:
• B2B Travel Trade Leadership: Lead and manage strategic initiatives within the B2B travel trade sector, driving business growth and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including tour operators, OTA’s, travel agent consortia’s etc.
Airlines: Lead and manage the relationships with all airlines flying to the UK to garner market intelligence and support route launch initiatives
• Team Management: Oversee and mentor a team, including remote management, ensuring high performance and effective collaboration.
• Product Development: Utilize your in-depth knowledge of the UK as a vacation destination to develop and enhance travel products that attract and engage US travelers.
• Business Development: Identify and secure new business opportunities, achieving significant business wins that align with VisitBritain’s goals.
• Market Analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams within VisitBritain to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns.
Requirements:
• Experience: Extensive experience in the B2B travel trade landscape, with a strong background in travel, tourism, or hospitality.
• Team Leadership: Proven track record in team management, including experience managing remote teams.
• Destination Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the UK as a vacation destination and the ability to leverage this knowledge in product development and marketing strategies.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong business acumen with the ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth and development.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Finance: Strong financial awareness and understanding of the need for Government compliance
• Passion for Travel: A genuine passion for travel and tourism, with a commitment to promoting Britain as a top travel destination.
What We Offer:
• A dynamic and fun work environment
• Opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
If you are ready to take on this exciting role and contribute to the success of VisitBritain, we want to hear from you! Apply today.
Join us at VisitBritain and help shape the future of travel and tourism!