Manager - Travel Trade

Job Purpose

• The Trade Training & FAM Trips manager will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing structured training programs and familiarization (FAM) trips for travel trade partners across regional and international markets, in alignment with the regional travel trade leads in the function.
• Reporting to the Senior Director – Travel Trade, this role will ensure the destination is well represented and understood by tour operators, DMCs, OTAs, and travel agents, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and experiences needed to effectively sell and promote the destination.
• The position holder will act as the subject-matter expert in trade learning and experiential activations, directly contributing to awareness, demand generation, and long-term trade partnerships.

Job Responsibilities:

Trade Training:

• Design and deliver comprehensive training programs (in-person workshops, online modules,
• webinars, e-learning) for international and regional travel trade partners.
• Develop standardized training toolkits, sales manuals, and digital content to ensure consistent messaging.
• Localize training materials to different market needs, languages, and cultural contexts.
• Collaborate with hotel operators to integrate their product knowledge into destination-wide training programs.

FAM Trips:

• Plan and execute end-to-end FAM trips for priority trade partners from regional and international markets, in alignment with the regional travel trade leads in the function. 
• Develop selection criteria for partners, ensuring alignment with destination and operator priorities.
• Curate itineraries that showcase the breadth of the destination, its hotels, experiences, and attractions.
• Manage logistics, stakeholder coordination, and on-ground execution of FAM programs.
• Conduct post-trip evaluations to measure impact, capture partner feedback, and optimize future programs.

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Work with hotel operators, airlines, and Saudi Tourism Authority to co-create and co-fund training and FAM trip initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal Marketing, PR, and Digital teams to amplify training content and leverage FAM trip outcomes in communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with training agencies, learning platforms, and trade associations.

Performance Management:

• Establish KPIs to measure the effectiveness of training (partner engagement, completion rates, knowledge retention, conversion impact).
• Track FAM trip ROI by monitoring subsequent partner sales performance and market penetration.
• Report on training and FAM trip results to the Senior Director – Travel Trade and executive leadership.

Key Processes / Workflows

• Training Program Development
• Training Delivery & Engagement
• FAM Trip Planning & Execution
• Stakeholder Collaboration 
• Performance Tracking & Reporting
• Budget & Resource Management

Managerial Responsibilities

• Supervise training coordinators, agencies, or vendors supporting trade training and FAM trip execution.
• Ensure training standards, methodologies, and tools are consistently applied across markets.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure professional development opportunities.
• Manage external contractors and suppliers involved in trip logistics and training delivery.

Job Requirements 

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Tourism, or related field. 

Years of Experience:

• 8+ years of proven experience in travel trade training, learning & development, or FAM trip execution for a destination, hotel group, or airline.

Other Requirements:

• Strong track record in designing and delivering training programs for international travel trade audiences.
• Experience managing large-scale FAM trips across multiple markets.
• Prior exposure to luxury or premium travel trade segments highly desirable.

Technical Competencies:

• Expertise in training delivery platforms (LMS, webinars, eLearning tools). - Expert
• Knowledge of learning methodologies and training evaluation models. - Advanced
• Experience with CRM systems and partner management tools. - Intermediate
• Competence in developing trade training collateral (guides, toolkits, presentations, videos). - Advanced
• Strong grasp of FAM trip planning systems, vendor management, and logistics workflows. - Expert
• Ability to analyze training effectiveness and partner performance metrics. – Advanced

Disclaimer

• This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Additional tasks related to the broader department may be assigned as required. This document does not represent an employment contract.