Sales Manager

JASON GRIPPO

** ***** **** ***** ****, New York *1754

Cellular 516-***-**** Email *********@*******.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Highly resourceful, productive and versatile hospitality sales and marketing professional with 23 years of experience. Especially effective in developing and enhancing profitable relationships with tour operators, wholesalers, and travel industry partners. Skilled in developing and maintaining customer relationships while capturing market share from entrenched competitors. Strong operational, problem solving, revenue management/ operational experience and contract negotiator.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SIRENIS HOTELS & RESORTS – Kings Park, NY 2007 - present

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING, USA

Total management of high volume accounts producing revenue two brands and four properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Establish strategic partnerships ensuring long term customer relationships. Develop new customers by generating business opportunities in secondary markets. Implement account strategies exceeding revenue goals for international portfolio. Proactively work with property based teams to improve operational and customer service levels.

Generated over $12m in revenue from U.S. outbound market exceeding annual revenue goals

Negotiate all rates/contracts and marketing budgets for U.S. based wholesaler/tour operator accounts

Manage team of direct reports both sales managers and administrative across the U.S. and property based

Develop destination/product training program for reservation agents and sales team

Established E Commerce department, oversaw all rates, and promotions for on line accounts

HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION – New York, NY 2003 - 2007

SALES MANAGER, TRAVEL INDUSTRY SALES

Developed destination focused sales and marketing strategies for Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort and the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort. Launched the companies public relations and advertising initiatives. Implemented a preferred partnerships and cooperative marketing plans while increasing brand presence and visibility, in the marketplace.

Established strategic contracting including rates, allotments, cut-offs for all US, Canada and Mexico based tour operators/wholesale accounts

Accelerated account development and preferred partnerships with seven new accounts generating over $4m within first year

Developed and negotiated co-op marketing strategies with key accounts including media buys, print advertising, promotions and brochure inclusions

Represented both properties at all industry related trade shows, destination events and industry partner conference

Jason Grippo ~ page 2 ~ 516-***-****

SUNRISE TOURS – New York, NY 2001 - 2003

DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING

Launched and managed airline charter program from both New York and Moscow to Caribbean. Negotiated all hotel and airline contracts for both US and Moscow offices. Directed all marketing, public relations and advertising initiatives ensuring company’s visibility and brand presence with both industry customers and end users.

Negotiated marketing funds with key hotel partners

Developed all advertising, marketing, promotions and web site content

Contracted 250 hotels for inclusion in company program

Generated $7m in annual revenue within first year

FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS, INC. – Lake Success, NY 1998 – 2001

DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MEXICO & LATIN AMERICA

Launched Mexico and Latin America program for inclusion in company’s portfolio. Negotiated contracts and marketing funds with hotel, airline and tourist board partners. Directed public relations and advertising initiatives ensuring company’s visibility and brand presence with customers and consumers.

Negotiated contracts, marketing funds and sales strategies for company’s program resulting in destinations generating top revenue within organization

Implement travel manager expertise program improving sales effectiveness and conversion of business

Created programs for joint venture companies including Classic Vacations, Globetrotters, Island Resort Tours and Allied Tours

Developed destination/product training program for reservation agents and sales team

Liaised with Mexico Tourist Board on sales and marketing ventures to increase market share from US market to specific destinations

Oversaw all aspects of marketing including brochure design, copy, advertising and competitive market analysis

Island Resort Tours – New York, NY 1996 – 1998

DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Designed Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico product line

Maintained data base of all wholesale contracts

Oversaw all aspects of production for 5 annual brochures

Produced all flyers for sales and promotions

Travelsavers – Oyster Bay, NY 1988 – 1995

Manager, National Accounts

Maintained relationships with preferred supplies (Tour Operators, Cruise Lines, Car Rental Companies, and Hotel Chains)

Build a very strong working relationship with travel agent members and vendors to ensure that sales were being increased.

Reservation Supervisor - Travelhelp Line

Handled reservations in 24 hour emergency service

Trained new employees on multiple GDS reservations systems

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Sales College – February 2004

President Recognition for Sales Excellence – 1st Trimester 2004

Trimester Recognition for Sales Excellence – 2nd & 3rd Trimesters 2004

Chairman’s Recognition for Sales Excellence – 1st Trimester 2005

Trimester Recognition for Sales Excellence – 2nd Trimester 2005

Trimester Recognition for Sales Excellence – 1st Trimester 2006

Hilton Sales Team of the Year 2004

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Kings Park Soccer Club

Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America

References available upon request.

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