Distribution, Online content & Rate Management Consultant

LOCATION: DURBANVILLE

Our client is a Sales and Marketing company specialising in the Hospitality sector, with clients in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya & Tanzania and they are looking for a dynamic and goal driven individual to join their young and vibrant team.

Objective

Under the direction of the Director of Client Services and within the limits of our clients policies and procedures, the Reservations OTA Consultant will form part of the OTA Department

The individual will be responsible for the management of a portfolio of OTA clients as set out by the Director of Client Services. This responsibility will include but not be limited to following all agreed OTA procedures and completing these in line with the strategic direction provided by the Director of Client services

The individual will also work closely with the Director of Client Services to ensure continuity throughout the portfolio.

Main Responsibilities

• To input into the client OTA Strategies

• These strategies will form part of the overall client marketing strategy for clients or need to be aligned to the clients overall marketing strategy for standalone service line clients.

• To be accountable for the implementation of the agreed OTA strategy for the portfolio of clients allocated within the individuals portfolio.

• To have a complete understanding of all OTA Channels relevant to the portfolio of clients with specific focus on booking.com, Expedia and an assortment of local sites.

• To have a clear understanding of channels managers and the role they play in OTA

• Having a clear understanding of how to utilise the backend of OTA channels and their integration with various channels managers, such as Booking.com, SiteMinder and NightsBridge.

• Effectively managing OTA distribution channels to ensure maximum exposure and minimising payable commission.

• Optimising content on the various channels with specific focus on text descriptions and photographs

• Ensuring the integrity of the information that is utilised in the descriptions on the profiles is a true reflection of the property in question.

• Creation & optimization of property booking policies and recommending changes to maximize revenue.

• Grow online presence by staying on brand & create additional awareness / exposure.

• Undertake and complete any special projects or related tasks as and when required.

• To ensure all property photographs are correctly uploaded, sized and portray the property to its full potential

• To follow the lead of the Strategic Marketing Team in on-boarding new clients within the department.

• Creation of new client profiles on new and/or existing third-party platforms locally and internationally.

• To be fully conversant with all client rates, property descriptions and policies ensuring there are no discrepancies on all platforms locally and internationally.
• Build strong relationships with key service providers such as booking.com, Expedia and so forth

• Raising any potential issues that may affect client performance with the Strategic Marketing Team.

• Raising any potential issues may affect the department with the Director of Operations.

• To be fully accountable for uploading and maintaining each properties list of facilities on all third-party platforms locally and internationally.

• Ensuring that all correspondence both internal and external is handled in a professional manner.

Rate Distribution and Specials

• Creation & distribution of dynamic rate structure, via channel managers and other relevant programs

• Management & distribution of inventory to ensure that availability is accurately displayed on the channels.

• Incorporate all OTA platforms to target and generate revenue.

• Always ensure that rates and specials are checked and loaded correctly.

• To ensure each property within the portfolio is fully visible on all desirable third-party platforms locally and internationally.

• To conduct monthly rate parity party checks and complete relevant reports

Data Tracking and analysis

• To take accountability of the monthly reporting process by ensuring that all data is correct and establishing key insights from the data

• Track bookings and their details (number, value, length of stay) through each OTA channel.

• Monitor the volume of traffic to the client's OTA profiles (unique visitors, pageviews, click-through rates).

• Measure the conversion of visitors to bookers, and the conversion of leads generated through different marketing channels.

• Track the revenue generated through each OTA channel and overall revenue performance.

• Collect and analyse customer feedback, including reviews and ratings.

Miscellaneous

• Creating a positive relationship with colleagues: They are part of the internal approach NOT to work in silos but one company bringing the departments as one. Therefore, their interaction with Management and Employees are an example and needs to be a positive influence.

• Travelling required

• Valid Passport always required

• Maintain a professional and positive attitude in all dealings with clients either on the phone or in person.

• Complying with all vaccination requirements that may be applicable to the destination. Please note, the Company may request for you to pay any excess towards travel such as Travel insurance due to the employee not being vaccinated.

• Maintain a professional and positive attitude in all dealings with clients either on the phone or in person.