Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds, and, above all, is respectful to everyone.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary candidate dedicated to achieving exceptional results. As the Travel Trade Marketing Manager, you will champion Houston as a premier leisure destination by orchestrating B2B2C travel trade advertising campaigns across both domestic and international markets. This pivotal role encompasses the management of all travel trade marketing activities, including content creation, budgeting, and reporting, while fostering robust relationships with travel trade advertisers and industry stakeholders.

You will spearhead the Around Houston initiative, collaborating with various Destination Marketing Organizations in the Houston area, and oversee leisure product experiences available through the Houston Experience Marketplace. Additionally, you will support the Houston Insider program's efforts. Given the strategic importance of this position and the diverse market it serves, fluency in both English and Spanish is required.

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Leisure Market Initiatives

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes Houston as a leisure destination in domestic and international markets through strategic B2B2C travel trade advertising and marketing efforts.
• Executes travel trade advertising plans to increase market penetration, awareness, and leisure room night production.
•  Leads the Around Houston cooperative program through presentation development, partner communications, trade shows, web and social media content, editorial calendar, and reporting.
• Collaborates with Houston hotels and attractions on cooperative advertising opportunities and tourism marketing initiatives.
•  Manages traditional and digital marketing, including content creation, partner communications, budgeting, and reporting.
•  Supports cooperative tourism marketing initiatives and assists with marketing materials, website updates, and advertising enhancements.
• Develops and curates advertising content to enhance visitors’ knowledge of Houston’s attractions, culture, and unique offerings.
•  Maintains relationships with domestic and international travel trade advertisers, identifying opportunities to develop and promote Houston products.
• Manages fulfillment of leisure product experiences purchased through the Houston Experience Marketplace.
• Builds and maintains relationships with Houston Experience Marketplace vendors to ensure product accuracy, availability, and partner satisfaction.
• Prepares and submits monthly Houston Experience Marketplace reports to the VP, Leisure Market Initiatives.
•  Assists with the Houston Insider program, addressing inquiries, scheduling training sessions, and supporting marketing and communication efforts.
• Travels domestically and internationally for trade shows, sales missions, and industry events as needed.
•  Manages wedding and reunion inquiries.
• Actively participate in weekly department meeting.
• Other duties and special projects as required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism or Marketing or a related field is required
•  3 years + in Tourism or Marketing with a focus on travel trade is preferred.

• Fluent in English and Spanish with professional oral and written communication skills in both languages.
• Understanding of B2B2C marketing strategy, cooperative advertising, and tourism product packaging.
• Familiarity with advertising and content development across traditional and digital channels.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to represent Houston to a variety of audiences.
• Strong ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects under pressure and within budget.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
•  Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software; Simpleview preferred.
• Knowledge of Houston, Harris County, and surrounding areas, including key tourism assets (e.g., attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation routes).
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and vendors.

• ☒ No major sources of discomfort; normal office environment
• ☒ Travel may be required as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities