Travel Business Development Executive – B2B Sales

Umanist Staffing•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a B2B Travel Sales Executive with 2–6 years of experience in the travel industry to drive business development, sales, and account management. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with Travel Agents and Travel Agencies, selling outbound travel-related services, developing new business, and maintaining existing client relationships. The candidate should have a strong understanding of the local Chicago travel trade and be comfortable meeting travel agencies across the region.

Requirements

2–6 years of professional experience in the Travel Industry.
2+ years of B2B Sales, Business Development, or Account Management experience.
Experience selling travel-related services to Travel Agents/Travel Agencies.
Experience selling outbound travel destinations.
Strong knowledge of the local Chicago travel trade.
Good knowledge of destinations, hotels, travel products, and suppliers.
Excellent English communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in the relevant local language.
Basic knowledge of MS Office, email, internet, and computer applications.
Valid US Driver's License.
Must be willing to travel up to 80% within Illinois.
Must be locally based in Chicago or surrounding areas.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for an outbound travel agency is preferred.
IATA certification will be an advantage.
Candidates currently or recently working in B2B travel sales, travel agencies, tour operators, corporate travel, hotel/travel wholesalers, destination management companies, or travel technology companies are preferred.
Candidates with an established network of Chicago-area Travel Agencies will be strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop new B2B business opportunities and generate sales leads
Build and maintain strong relationships with Travel Agents and Travel Agencies.
Promote products, services, and travel solutions.
Generate new business affiliations and partnerships with travel agencies.
Manage existing accounts and identify opportunities for additional business.
Follow up on quotes, inquiries, leads, and pending opportunities.
Conduct client meetings, product presentations, demonstrations, and training.
Provide training and support to existing clients using
Develop branding and product positioning within the local B2B travel market.
Coordinate with the Operations team regarding pre-sales requirements and client needs.
Maintain strong knowledge of outbound destinations, hotels, travel products, and suppliers.
Regularly visit travel agencies and develop a strong local travel-trade network.
Achieve assigned sales and business development targets.
Travel up to 80% within Illinois to meet travel agencies and develop business.