Experience

Visit Fairfax (Fairfax County, VA)

• United States
• Travel Arrangements
• 1 - 100 Employee

• National and International Sales Manager, Tour & Travel

  • Apr 2018 - Present

  • Develop and implement the annual sales plan and budget for the group and leisure markets • Manage the packaged tour sales functions of Visit Fairfax• Develop group tour and leisure travel business through sales contacts and calls, sales missions, trade shows and marketplaces, and networking through industry associations. Identify market opportunities and strategies to attract visitors to the destination.• Work with tour operators, tour wholesalers, receptive tour agencies and group travel planners, as well as local, regional, and state travel professionals to market Fairfax County.• Develop, facilitate, and market suggested itineraries and tour packages • Coordinate and implement events, site inspections and familiarization tours for appropriate market segments.• Develop cooperative sales and marketing opportunities with other destination marketing organizations in the region.• Seek, qualify, and handle sales lead generation and distribution to industry partners, including hotels, attractions and restaurants.



Georgetown University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Adjunct Professor

  • Aug 2015 - Aug 2018

  Interdisciplinary course on destination planning and development, addressing key issues in management and sustainability. Course offered to graduate students in Georgetown’s Hospitality Management and Urban and Regional Planning programs.



Destination DC

• United States
• Travel Arrangements
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Tourism Services Manager

  • Nov 2015 - Apr 2018

  • Contribute to annual budget and sales plan, responsible for initiation, execution and budget control for specific projects. • Generate and distribute tourism leads to Destination DC membership and provide sales related support as needed.• Plan and implement familiarization trips annually for the leisure travel and group tour market.• Support preparation for and participation in tourism sales missions, tradeshows, marketplaces and events.• Develop and maintain working relationship with hospitality and tourism industry and keeps local businesses informed of various tourism and visitor service programs.



U.S. Travel Association

• United States
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Industry Relations and Research Coordinator

  • Dec 2012 - Sep 2015

  Support the Director of Research and Chief Economist in analyzing the economic impact of travel. • Designed and conducted an online survey of 400+ U.S. Travel member organizations assessing the value of a United States’ Department of Commerce research program on air travelers in the U.S. • Assist in the development of reports on economic impact of tourism, analyzing tax revenue, job creation and direct spending generated by domestic and international travelers. • Coordinate activities of National Council consisting of 400 destination marketing organizations, 47 State Tourism Directors.• Create and manage content and marketing for annual seminar attended by 300+ tourism marketers with revenues of $250,000+.• Source speakers for conferences and webinars, write online content, and conduct email marketing to 2000+ membership.



Brand Kenya Board

• Communication and PR Assistant

  • 2012 - 2012

  Supported the director of communications in public relations initiatives including promoting positive media coverage for the organization and ensuring online and print media brand consistency. • Developed content and oversaw changes in the website layout to boost website traffic and engage users.• Generated content for, edited and oversaw the design of print and online communication and promotional materials including brochures, newspaper articles, fliers, booklets and newsletters.• Oversaw monitoring of media coverage and updated social media sites on a daily basis.• Created and distributed press releases to major media house and the general public.• Reviewed and revised communication and promotional material to conform to brand guidelines.



Solimar International

• United States
• Leisure, Travel & Tourism
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Marketing and Project Associate

  • 2012 - 2012

  • Led the digital campaign for the “Promotion of Tourist Circuits Incorporating Craft” project, increasing awareness of Morocco’s cultural and artisanal heritage to enhance craft and tourism sectors.• Promoted destination marketing using social media• Researched and created a database on major international tour operators to Morocco for a familiarization trip.



Cheza Nami Foundation

• Administrative and Programing Assistant to Board of Directors

  • 2011 - 2011

  Provided administrative, events and programming support including duties such as phone coverage, assistance with mailings, email correspondence, event planning and execution, development and distribution of marketing and communication material. • Oversaw logistics for a cultural and fundraising event attended by 150 guests.• Led marketing and promotion initiatives through the creation of marketing collateral and updating of website content.• Served as liaison to community members and groups on behalf of Cheza Nami programs • Maintained filing with state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with 501(c) (3) status.



The Tamarind Group

• Restaurants
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Independent Contractor

  • 2009 - 2010

  • Prepared a feasibility study for a proposed restaurant, developing a survey with 30 questions applied on 120 clients, and identified next implementation steps.• Conducted research, analyzing opportunities on economic trends and business statistics.



Heritage Hotels Ltd - Kenya

• Kenya
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Management Fellow

  • 2009 - 2009

  • Guest relations officer, handling 500 guests at the Voyager Beach Resort, to provide solution-oriented guest service at all times. • Conducted safety and health training for 10 staff members, and oversaw reservations and front desk operations.• Coordinated the front office, restaurant, kitchen and housekeeping departments and managed the daily float in a 28-tent lodge.• Planning and handled logistics for special events including bush dinners, African theme nights and Christmas festivity preparations.



Winchester Mansions

• Management Fellow

  • 2007 - 2007

  • Supported food and beverage service in restaurant and bar of 76-room hotel including overhaul of wine menu.• Managed inventory in cellar, food, linen and general stores including generating purchase orders, re-ordering, receiving goods and processing invoices from suppliers. • Maintained and updated supplier list to identify preferred vendors for all departments.