Travel and Tourism Specialist

The Travel and Tourism Specialist is responsible for the facilitation and promotion of Tourism related awareness programs and initiatives for West Edmonton Mall and focuses on developing local and regional promotional campaigns that drive traffic to the property.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Developing and maintaining relationships with tourism organizations, including but not limited to Travel Alberta, Explore Edmonton, TIAA and other related organization, to promote and increase awareness of West Edmonton Mall products, services and attractions.
- Soliciting, negotiating and securing new accounts and Business to Business connections, as well as maintain current client relationships within respective markets.
- Responsible for recommending strategies to develop new tourism-based business opportunities within these markets, creating monthly action plans.
- Actively prospect for new business opportunities and maintain established accounts and contacts within the Tourism & Travel market.
- Compiling, managing, and tracking new prospects and target lists electronically and develop new client relationships through networking and preparing weekly, monthly, quarterly position related reports as required.
- Work closely with the various divisions of West Edmonton Mall, including Parks, Fantasyland Hotel and retail to expand cross division tourism opportunities.
- Utilizing electronic tracking and report processes to analyze tourism related information, data, and results for proper trending, forecasting and ROI interpretation to meet desired targets, projections and quotas.
- Working with the internal Graphic Design team to create visually appealing promotional material to be distributed at various trade shows and expos.
- Performing required West Edmonton Mall tours with potential tourism partners, international delegations, and VIP guests.
- Actively prospecting and pursing new tourism opportunities by visiting leisure, attractions, tour, and other related facilities, and developing strong working relationships with those companies.
- Negotiating with tourism organizations to enhance the value of promotional campaigns and develop key industry contacts to work within budgets and obtain best pricing and value for all activities.
- Participating in various activities, events and networking opportunities inside and outside of the West Edmonton Mall to network, build relationships and secure new business and maintaining and developing a strong presence in the local tourism market.
- Participating in FAMS, Sites, Entertainment, Tradeshows and Industry events.
- Ability to create and present information to internal and external clients using various Microsoft Office platforms, including Excel, Powerpoint, and Word and the ability to adapt to and utilize new and emerging technologies.
- Other responsibilities as required.

Desired Qualifications:

- A minimum of two (2) to five (5) years-experience working in the tourism, travel, attractions or destination marketing industries with a minimum 50% tourism client base.
- Must be knowledgeable on current Tourism trends and data for all relevant markets and have the ability to work closely with Marketing department to create strong and focused campaigns.
- Post-secondary education in marketing, business management, or a tourism related discipline an asset.
- Experience in destination or hotel sales, SMERF or Tour & Travel markets an asset.
- Excellent relationship and understanding of Canadian tourism commissions and direct exposure to Edmonton’s tourism market as an asset.
- Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, presentation skills, and must be comfortable speaking in front of a group.
- Must be a team player and self-starter with strong organizational skills
- Individuals must have exceptional organizational, time management, communication, and computer skills and abilities.

Terms of Employment:

- This is a full-time position that requires flexible availability and be able to travel locally and internationally for work purposes.
- This is a salaried position that depends on experience and qualifications.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the guest needs, as well as take part in sales trips both inside and outside of Alberta to promote West Edmonton Mall.
- Must have own reliable transportation and be able to pass a basic security clearance.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person