Account Director, Travel Trade

At MMGY Global , we believe nothing shapes your view of the world like travel. Every day, we bring our clients’ stories to life in ways that inspire people to see the world differently. Our personalized service and strategy connect media, consumers and influencers across the globe, taking people to new places and changing their view for the better. At MMGY, we inspire people to go places. MMGY has an immediate opening for an Account Director, Travel Trade in our Los Angeles office who’s looking to go places. This role is an integral part of MMGY's Representation Services division, which develops integrated marketing and sales solutions for international destination clients. With established offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and other cities across the country, our division crafts strategic plans spanning consumer marketing, public relations, social media, and travel trade engagement. We represent international tourist offices such as South Australia, Rwanda, Madeira, and Costa Rica, among others. The Account Director – Travel Trade is a senior leadership role responsible for driving strategy, managing client portfolios, and spearheading travel trade engagement and marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, strategic thinker who thrives under pressure and excels at cultivating strong partnerships with clients, travel suppliers, airlines, tour operators, and industry stakeholders. This individual brings a deep knowledge of the travel distribution landscape, a passion for long-haul destinations, and the leadership skills to inspire high-performing teams. Responsibilities Lead strategy, development, and implementation of integrated client marketing, travel trade, and PR programs Spearhead the build-out and oversight of trade relations strategies with tour operators, consortiums, travel agents, wholesalers, airlines, and other industry partners Direct and conduct high-level sales calls and training programs with tour operators and travel agents to maximize trade engagement Lead the development and implementation of annual sales and marketing plans with a strong focus on integration, conversion, and budget optimization Oversee on-and-offline trade and consumer marketing campaigns, including content, native, and digital OTA campaigns Steward campaign reporting with a rigorous focus on conversion metrics and ROI delivery Identify client challenges and critical areas for improved service delivery; provide proactive strategic counsel Develop and maintain senior-level client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact Supervise account teams and lead day-to-day account activities, including weekly internal planning meetings Monitor program timelines and client budgets to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability Oversee agency output to ensure quality control and measurable client ROI Provide creative direction to the account group, including the development of innovative marketing programs, promotions, partnerships, and activations Identify and develop opportunities for cross-agency collaboration to elevate the scope and impact of client work Lead client and stakeholder presentations, translating complex data and strategies into compelling narratives Establish and maintain high-level travel trade and media contacts; oversee strategic initiatives to engage these groups Stay current on the latest travel, consumer, and marketing trends and leverage insights to client advantage Supervise and mentor junior and mid-level team members, fostering a culture of growth and excellence Maintain open and proactive communication with Vice President and senior leadership Requirements BA/BS degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Tourism Management or a related field 6–9+ years of experience in travel, tourism, or lifestyle marketing, with direct client management experience High-level knowledge of travel trade channels and established industry contacts Must have strong travel industry experience Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing integrated marketing budgets Strong understanding of the travel trade landscape and media relations Extensive knowledge of on-and-offline marketing channels within the tourism sector Solid understanding of digital advertising metrics, OTA campaigns, and conversion reporting Advanced written and verbal communication skills; proficient writer and editor Proven ability to think strategically about sales and marketing activities Superior people skills with the ability to lead, mentor, and inspire teams Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking abilities Comfortable working across multiple time zones as required by client needs Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Must possess a valid passport; ability to travel domestically and internationally Creative thinker, self-starter, and problem solver with a good sense of humor and a genuine love for travel Preferred Qualifications Previous experience with international tourist boards or destination marketing organizations (DMOs) Deep understanding of travel distribution channels, including GDS, OTAs, and consortiums Experience developing and executing integrated sales and marketing campaigns across multiple disciplines Track record in digital media and consumer marketing campaigns for tourism clients Experience marketing long-haul destinations such as Africa, Latin America, the South Pacific, or Asia Travel Requirements This role requires approximately 25–30% travel, both domestically and internationally, including trade events, client site visits, and sales missions. Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the Account Director – Travel Trade. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the role. Salary Range: $90 - 98k + BONUS MMGY Global provides a comprehensive PTO + benefits package inclusive of a hybrid telework policy. Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa. MMGY Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Who Are We? We’re a travel-obsessed collective of more than 600 people across the country and around the globe. And when we say we inspire people to go places, we mean ALL people. That’s why we’re focused on nurturing a workforce that is representative of the places we visit. #J-18808-Ljbffr MMGY Global