Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Donna Smith

Donna Smith

Summary

Accomplished Sales Executive experience in developing and maximizing Luxury leisure sales. Diligent in building and retaining relationships by providing support and attentive service. Highly skilled in strategic planning and effectively managing multiple territories. Proficient in budgeting, monitoring trends, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Highly-motivated with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Leisure Sales Manager North America & Canda

Palmaia, The House of AIA
09.2023 - 05.2024
  • Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development.
  • Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service.
  • Built sales forecasts and schedules to reflect desired productivity targets.
  • Conducted market research and reported on competitors.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Southeast - Mid-Atlantic Business Development Manager

Aruba Tourism Authority - ATA North America
06.2021 - 09.2023
  • Managed all aspects of a 13-state territory, from budget, Accounting, Strategic planning, and Sales & Marketing
  • The focus was to elevate the destination with luxury advisors and consortia visibility
  • Initiated Preferred Partner Programs with Cruise Planners, Travel Leaders, Signature & Virtuoso
  • Built strong relationships with host agencies and preferred partners on behalf of ATA
  • Planned and executed exclusive events for ATA in the region assigned
  • Built strong relationships with properties on the island and promoted their individual needs
  • Developed collateral material exclusively for the cruise and leisure market.
  • Developed short-term and long-term vision and strategy to achieve targeted sales objectives.
  • Monitored industry trends and technological advancements to stay ahead of competition.
  • Developed and executed strategic business plans to achieve revenue and growth targets.
  • Coordinated with marketing teams to develop promotional materials and campaigns for target markets.
  • Represented the company at industry conferences, networking events, and trade shows to build brand awareness.
  • Conducted market research and reported on competitors.
  • Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.

Business Development Manager

Island Destinations - ID Travel Group
11.2014 - 04.2020
  • Collaborated with company departments to develop new strategies to capitalize on emerging customer and market trends
  • Developed new business by networking with prospects and valuable customers at Virtuoso, Signature, and Industry Consortia Luxury events
  • Applied strategic negotiation and sales closing skills to bring in new accounts and Luxury Advisors over a 5-year period
  • Researched and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration, and market expansion
  • Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans
  • Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
  • Established new customer accounts using negotiation and sales closing abilities.
  • Maintained open and ongoing communication with clients to meet needs and expectations..
  • Fostered long-term partnerships with key industry players to enhance market presence.
  • Managed budgets and resources efficiently to maximize return on investment.
  • Conducted competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions and positioning.
  • Represented the company at industry conferences, networking events, and trade shows to build brand awareness.
  • Delivered presentations to senior management and stakeholders to report on progress and results.

Director of National Accounts

Omni Hotels & Resorts
06.2013 - 11.2013
  • Connected with current customers to assess satisfaction, determine needs, and offer new services.
  • Grew brand awareness by increasing market penetration with customer-focused approaches.
  • Increased sales by growing territory and market share through effective cross-selling tactics.
  • Conducted market research and reported on competitors.

Director of Leisure and Industry Sales

KSL Resorts & Hotels - Asset Management Company
02.2013 - 06.2013
  • Developed and implemented a leisure sales & marketing plan with an annual budget for The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA, and Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
  • Responsible for increasing sales by 15% over the projected budget within the first year
  • Oversaw the program development and opening of the New Canyon Ranch Spa Club at The Homestead, Canyon Ranch Spa Club, which opened in June 2013.

Director of Leisure and Industry Sales

Salamander Hotels & Resorts
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • Developed new branding strategies and marketing collateral to foster business development and achieve revenue targets.
  • Analyzed data to inform decision-making and strategic direction.
  • Represented the organization at industry events, conferences, and public meetings.
  • Managed annual budgeting process, including forecasting and financial planning.
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and market share.

Director of National Accounts - North America and Canada

Half Moon Resort, Jamaica
02.2005 - 12.2010
  • As a National Account Executive and the only sales representative for Half Moon in North America, I was responsible for developing and implementing a sales plan that incorporates all aspects of leisure travel
  • I worked closely with Wholesale Tour Operators, Retail Travel Advisors, and Consortia, such as Virtuoso, Signature, Ensemble, and America Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Centurion and Platinum divisions.
  • Grew brand awareness by increasing market penetration with customer-focused approaches.

Regional Sales Account Executive

Elegant Resorts International
01.2003 - 12.2005
  • Provided Sales and Marketing for the following hotels and cruises: Half Moon, Coyaba, Jamaica Inn, Round Hill Hotel & Villas, and Royal Plantation
  • Peter Island Resort, BVI's and Peter Deilmann Luxury River Cruises.
  • Liaised with assigned accounts to review business operations and track progress toward objectives.
  • Supported high-level customer satisfaction and loyalty as SME and primary point-of-contact.
  • Cultivated strategic client relationships to support business goals, growth strategies and profit drivers.
  • Achieved sales targets and outcomes consistently by tenaciously pursuing new customers and sales opportunities.

Director of Sales & Marketing

Issa Resorts
02.1996 - 12.2003
  • Issa Resort Hotels consisted of the following hotels: Swept Away Resort, Couples Negril, Couples Ocho Rios, and Couples San Souci
  • As Director of Sales & Marketing for Issa Hotels, I managed a sales team of 13 professionals in the US and Canada
  • Responsible for maintaining a profitable occupancy level for the group and managing the budget for both sales and marketing
  • As Director, I managed a reservation sales office in Miami, FL, and a staff of 6 individuals that handled various daily operations, including reservations
  • Responsible for contracting with all US/Canada and some European Wholesalers with rates and allotments
  • Team leader in opening the Swept Away Resort and Couples, Negril.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Marketing & Economics

University of Memphis
Memphis, TN

Skills

  • Business development and planning
  • Strategic Planning with Luxury Consortia's
  • Territory & Account Management
  • Database Management
  • Networking strength
  • Budget management & development
  • Maintain Salesforce CRM Program
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to travel 60-70% of the time
  • Prospect Targeting
  • Key account development
  • Consultative and relationship selling
  • Knowledge of Wholesale business and contract negotiations
  • Sales Metrics
  • National account management
  • Excellent Verbal and Written communication skills
  • Sales Presentations
  • Competitor Analysis
  • Customer Service
  • Territory Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Team Collaboration
  • Consultative Selling Techniques
  • Brand-building strategies
  • Budgeting and Expenditures
  • Promotional sales events
  • Analytical Skills
  • Sales plan implementation
  • Relationship Building

Affiliations

  • Nature Adventure, Wellness Travel and Outdoor Sports.
  • Family is the cornerstone of my life!
  • Animal Lover of all kinds!

Accomplishments

  • Achieving Top Sales Executive 5-years consecutive at Island Destinations.
  • Honoured to be asked to be part of the Aruba Tourism Authority Recovery Team and elevate destination.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Leisure Sales Manager North America & Canda

Palmaia, The House of AIA
09.2023 - 05.2024

Southeast - Mid-Atlantic Business Development Manager

Aruba Tourism Authority - ATA North America
06.2021 - 09.2023

Business Development Manager

Island Destinations - ID Travel Group
11.2014 - 04.2020

Director of National Accounts

Omni Hotels & Resorts
06.2013 - 11.2013

Director of Leisure and Industry Sales

KSL Resorts & Hotels - Asset Management Company
02.2013 - 06.2013

Director of Leisure and Industry Sales

Salamander Hotels & Resorts
01.2010 - 01.2013

Director of National Accounts - North America and Canada

Half Moon Resort, Jamaica
02.2005 - 12.2010

Regional Sales Account Executive

Elegant Resorts International
01.2003 - 12.2005

Director of Sales & Marketing

Issa Resorts
02.1996 - 12.2003

Bachelor of Science - Marketing & Economics

University of Memphis

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Donna Smith