Zachary Burns
Luxury Leisure Sales Manager
Vail,CO
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Luxury Leisure Sales Manager with over nine years of experience in the ultra-luxury hospitality sector, including Forbes Luxury and AAA Five Diamond training. A former luxury travel advisor, bringing a unique perspective in understanding the needs of affluent travelers and industry partners. Expertise honed through roles with The Ritz-Carlton and Mr. C Hotels, cultivating high-value relationships with premier travel advisors, discerning clientele, and key stakeholders. Based in the mountains and driven by a passion for ultra-luxury mountain and ski destinations with a proven track record of crafting and implementing strategic sales initiatives that consistently exceed revenue goals while elevating brand positioning. Renowned for delivering exceptional service, leveraging innovative sales strategies, and staying ahead of evolving market trends and traveler expectations.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Leisure Sales Manager
Grand Hyatt Vail
1 2024 - Current
- Negotiated and secured pricing agreements with over 15 suppliers and vendors, achieving an average savings of 12% on procurement costs.
- Developed and implemented targeted sales strategies that led to a 20% increase in leisure sales revenue within the first quarter of implementation.
- Maintained relationships with 50+ existing clients while identifying and securing 10 new business opportunities, contributing to a 15% increase in customer retention and acquisition.
- Designed and facilitated luxury training programs that improved staff performance, resulting in a 25% increase in team productivity and a 10% decrease in turnover rates.
Travel Industry Sales Manager
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa
05.2023 - 12.2023
- Spearheaded pre-opening sales strategies, conducting market research and competitor analysis to inform outreach efforts, resulting in 80% booking rate within the first three months of operation.
- Secured over 30 partnerships with travel agents, corporate clients, and event planners, achieving a 90% occupancy rate within the first quarter post-opening and generating $500,000+ in initial revenue.
- Collaborated with marketing and operations to execute pre-opening campaigns, driving a 20% higher than anticipated early interest and achieving 100% alignment across departments on brand positioning and pricing strategies.
- Forged strategic partnerships with 5 local tourism boards and 10+ industry influencers, securing media coverage in 15+ outlets and achieving an early social media reach of 200,000+ impressions pre-opening.
Sales Manager
Residence Inn Austin River Place/Lake Travis
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Led the strategic planning and execution of sales and marketing initiatives, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue growth, a 10% expansion in market share, and a 20% improvement in brand visibility across 5 key distribution channels.
- Developed and nurtured relationships with over 30 corporate clients, travel agencies, and industry partners, negotiating 10+ high-value partnerships and contracts that increased the hotel's market reach by 25%.
- Conducted detailed analysis of market trends and customer insights, optimizing pricing strategies and digital campaigns that resulted in a 20% increase in ROI, and ensured alignment with revenue goals and brand positioning.
Business Travel and Group Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Austin Airport
06.2021 - 01.2022
- Implemented a lead qualification process that improved lead conversion by 30%, focusing resources on the top 20% of leads, resulting in a 25% increase in overall sales efficiency.
- Cultivated and managed relationships with 50+ corporate clients, securing over 100 high-value group bookings and business travel contracts, consistently exceeding monthly revenue targets by 20%.
- Developed 15+ customized group packages per quarter, negotiating competitive rates that resulted in a 35% increase in repeat business and a 20% improvement in client loyalty metrics.
Education
High School Diploma -
Chaparral High School
Temecula 08.2006 - 06.2010
Skills
Strategic Analysis & Planning
Certification
Certified Travel Associate - Framingham, MA
Accomplishments
- Successfully hosted and managed the prestigious event, attracting over 150 top luxury travel advisors. Delivered an exceptional experience by curating tailored activities, securing record-breaking attendee satisfaction scores, and generating a 20% increase in post-summit leisure bookings.
- Secured a 25% year-over-year growth in high-value leisure bookings by establishing strategic partnerships with top-tier consortia, enhancing the hotel’s visibility within the ultra-luxury market.
- Developed and executed a targeted sales strategy to attract high-net-worth travelers from South America and Mexico, leveraging key luxury consortia and local travel influencers. Achieved a 40% increase in international bookings from these regions, while fostering long-term relationships with top-producing travel agencies in Mexico City, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires.
Timeline
Travel Industry Sales Manager
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa
05.2023 - 12.2023
Sales Manager
Residence Inn Austin River Place/Lake Travis
01.2022 - 05.2023
Business Travel and Group Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Austin Airport
06.2021 - 01.2022
Certified Travel Associate - Framingham, MA
07-2020
High School Diploma -
Chaparral High School
08.2006 - 06.2010
Leisure Sales Manager
Grand Hyatt Vail
1 2024 - Current
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