Destination Travel & Sales Representative

Job Description:

Destination Travel & Sales Representative

Description

Summary

Minimum Starting Salary is $57,000.00 Annually

The City of Waco Seeks

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with experience in sales or event planning who builds strong partnerships to attract group travel and events to Waco. They are organized and customer-focused and use their knowledge of the city to drive tourism and support local businesses.

Minimum Qualifications
Required:

• Valid Texas Driver's License
• Associate's degree in hospitality, business administration, event management, or a related field
• 4 years of experience in customer service, sales, or event coordination, preferably in tourism or hospitality, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field
  
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Experience in convention sales, group travel, or tourism-related sales in a competitive destination market

Position Overview
Under general supervision, the Destination Travel and Sales Representative supports the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) by cultivating professional relationships to solicit and manage group travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events in the City of Waco. Responsible for marketing, selling, and coordinating events and services to drive hotel room nights and visitor spending, while collaborating with local businesses and hospitality partners. Leverages destination knowledge and industry tools to enhance sales efforts, contributing to Waco's reputation as a premier tourism hub. Maintains a customer-focused approach, embodying the City of Waco's commitment to service, inclusivity, and excellence.

Essential Functions

• Solicits convention, meeting, and sporting event business through direct outreach, including presentations, personal calls, telemarketing, trade show contacts, and bid book preparation, targeting assigned markets to generate leads.
• Manages the full lifecycle of DMO group travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events, from initial client inquiries to post-event follow-up, ensuring high-quality service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Coordinates event logistics with local businesses, venues, hotels, and service providers, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with client expectations.
• Attends supplier/buyer trade shows and industry events to promote the destination and generate new sales leads, representing the DMO professionally.
• Participates in or coordinates familiarization (FAM) tours for meeting planners, event organizers, and travel professionals to showcase Waco’s venues, attractions, and hospitality infrastructure.
• Publicizes event needs and group requirements by sending clear, concise leads to hospitality partners, facilitating effective collaboration within the tourism community.
• Maintains active memberships in industry organizations, representing the DMO at monthly networking events, association meetings, and community engagements to build relationships and attract business.
• Fosters relationships with local attractions, hotels, and tourism partners to promote Waco’s offerings and enhance visitor experiences.
• Supports venue scheduling, bookings, catering arrangements, and contract preparation; resolves event-related issues and ensures compliance with DMO standards and city policies.
• Assists in coordinating with outside vendors, prioritizing local businesses when possible, to support event execution and community engagement.
• Tracks sales activities, leads, and bookings using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, providing data for reports and performance evaluations as directed.
• Analyzes sales data to identify trends and opportunities, contributing to reports on hotel room nights, visitor spending, and economic impact for the DMO.
• Prepares event evaluations and basic reports to assess outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement, submitting findings to the Assistant Director of Destination Travel & Sales.
• Collaborates with DMO marketing teams to align sales pitches with promotional campaigns, ensuring consistent messaging and maximizing appeal to target audiences.
• Engages in proactive client follow-up to secure repeat business and maintain long-term relationships with meeting planners and event organizers.
• Participates in industry training, webinars, or workshops to stay current with tourism sales trends and best practices, enhancing sales effectiveness.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, client information, and City of Waco data, adhering to all policies and standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the DMO’s mission and the City of Waco.
• Adapts to a flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet event and client needs.

The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligible employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.

To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.

Why Work For Waco:

• Meaningful and challenging work
• Make a difference and improve communities
• Competitive Salary and Benefits
  • Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance
  • Longevity Pay
  • And More!
• Chance to do work you are passionate about
• Desire to give back

Salary:

See Position Description