Travel Business Development Manager (Nebraska/Iowa-REMOTE)

TRAC Recruiting•Omaha, NE

27d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Travel Business Development Manager for a full-time, direct-hire role. This position is remote, but candidates must reside in Nebraska or Iowa. The role focuses on outside sales and business development within the travel and tour industry, responsible for growing an assigned territory through new account development, relationship building, and repeat business. It's a hands-on, field-based sales role for a self-motivated individual who enjoys building a territory from the ground up. Responsibilities include identifying and developing new business opportunities, establishing relationships with decision-makers and group leaders, presenting travel programs, and growing revenue through new and repeat group bookings. Candidates should be comfortable with cold calling, email outreach, referrals, networking, scheduled appointments, and in-person prospecting, as well as one-on-one conversations and presenting to groups. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced outside sales professional who enjoys travel, relationship development, and owning territory results. A proactive, relationship-driven approach is key, along with persistence, organization, and ownership. A genuine interest in travel and working with people is a plus, but proven sales ability is most important.

Requirements

Proven success in outside sales, territory sales, business development, or a similar new-business-focused role.
Demonstrated experience prospecting for new business and consistently meeting or exceeding sales goals.
Strong track record of developing new accounts and growing repeat business.
Comfortable with cold calling, prospecting, networking, and in-person business development.
Highly self-motivated and able to independently manage a territory without relying on a steady flow of inbound leads.
Persistent and resilient with the ability to handle rejection while maintaining a professional, relationship-oriented approach.
Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.
Strong presentation and public-speaking abilities.
Comfortable presenting to both individual decision-makers and larger groups.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple prospects, accounts, sales cycles, deadlines, and travel commitments simultaneously.
Experience using a CRM and standard business technology, including email, spreadsheets, video conferencing, and presentation tools.
Coachable, accountable, and willing to take ownership of results.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel approximately 2–3 nights per week.
Must be living in the United States and specifically in the state you are working in (Nebraska/Iowa).
Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in travel, tourism, hospitality, group travel, or related industries.
Experience selling escorted tours, cruises, vacation packages, or other group experiences.
Existing relationships with organizations that coordinate group activities or travel.
Experience working with community organizations, membership-based organizations, professional associations, religious organizations, educational/alumni groups, financial institutions, clubs, or travel advisors.
Experience selling to mature or senior audiences.
Existing relationships within the assigned territory (Nebraska/Iowa).
Experience conducting group presentations, seminars, informational sessions, or sales events.
Experience managing a large geographic territory with significant field travel.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective accounts within an assigned territory.
Identify organizations and groups with the potential to generate recurring travel business.
Prospect through cold calling, email, referrals, networking, online research, scheduled appointments, and in-person visits.
Develop relationships with decision-makers, group leaders, community organizations, travel professionals, and other potential referral sources.
Create and maintain a consistent prospecting and field-visit schedule.
Qualify prospects based on audience, travel interest, timing, budget, and potential for long-term business.
Manage the sales process from initial prospecting through proposal, booking, and confirmation.
Understand each prospect's goals and recommend travel programs that align with their audience and needs.
Present the value of available travel programs, address questions and objections, and confidently ask for the business.
Develop new group business while working toward territory revenue and passenger goals.
Maintain consistent follow-up throughout potentially long sales cycles.
Partner with internal teams to ensure opportunities move smoothly from sales through fulfillment.
Conduct engaging presentations and travel programs for groups and prospective travelers.
Present to both small groups and larger audiences, creating excitement and confidence around travel opportunities.
Clearly communicate trip details, itineraries, expectations, and value.
Address traveler questions and concerns in a professional and personable manner.
Work with group leaders to develop strategies for promoting and filling trips.
Monitor booking activity and take proactive steps when additional support is needed.
Build strong, long-term relationships with existing accounts and group leaders.
Identify opportunities for repeat business, additional departures, new destinations, and referrals.
Stay engaged with customers throughout the travel lifecycle and follow up after completed programs.
Work collaboratively with internal teams to address customer needs and resolve issues.
Take ownership of the customer relationship and follow through on commitments.
Independently manage your calendar, priorities, travel schedule, prospecting activity, and follow-up.
Maintain an accurate and active pipeline of qualified prospects.
Keep CRM records current, including contacts, activities, opportunities, next steps, and expected timing.
Maintain an accurate sales forecast and communicate potential risks or changes early.
Participate in sales meetings, pipeline reviews, coaching, and training.
Use data and feedback to continuously improve territory performance.