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

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.

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