Hotel Sales Manager: Job Description, Requirements and Career Overview

Lodging businesses hire sales managers to generate revenue by attracting customers from around the world to be guests at their establishment. Meeting with clients and arranging business deals are some of the primary job duties of hotel sales managers. Leadership skills, a proven sales record and presentation experience help hotel sales managers to succeed in this stressful career.

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Education Information for Hotel Sales Managers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, education for this career varies, but employers generally look for applicants with a bachelor's degree or master's degree in a business related major (www.bls.gov). Business and math courses like economics, accounting, statistics, sales and finances are recommended for a career as a hotel sales manager. Acquiring a specialization or minor in hospitality management is also suggested. Work experience is crucial to succeeding in this occupation, so acquiring an internship is highly desirable.

Job Description and Career Overview of Hotel Sales Managers

Hotel sales managers are responsible for bringing in guests and making the hotel money. They may work with senior sales managers or owners to plan sales promotions, set sales goals and train staff. These professionals not only seek out business with individual guests but also typically meet with large groups, such as churches, traveling executives and family reunions to stay with their hotel. Agreements with large groups allows for successful repeat business, which generates sales for the entire company.

A hotel sales manager also sells prospective and current guests on the hotel's services, such as dining options, swimming pools and exercise rooms, as well as to notify them of room upgrades. Possessing complete knowledge of all of the services the hotel offers is important for making a successful sale.

Many hotel sales managers start in hotel support positions then receive promotions after having been with the company for some time. Hotel sale managers have the option of venturing into public relations, marketing or convention sales within the hotel industry. Upscale and luxury hotels typically require a college degree and extensive experience in hospitality.

Job Requirements of Hotel Sales Managers

Working irregular and long hours on both weekends and evenings are commonly required of hotel sales managers. Sometimes, they have to work longer than the traditional 40-hour week. Travel locally, regionally and nationally to meet with prospective guests and other sales managers to discuss business is often necessary. Transfers from one office to another are also common in this career, so hotel sales managers should be comfortable with relocating if needed.

Employers look for hotel sales managers that are flexible, decisive, motivated, reliable and creative. Due to the potential pressure to generate sales, hotel sales managers should be able to handle and manage stress appropriately. Creating and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with customers can clinch sales and lead to repeat business.

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