Senior Manager - Destination Partnerships

Overview

As the Senior Manager for Destination Partnerships at Qiddiya, you will spearhead the strategic partnership initiatives that amplify the destination's positioning, commercial outcomes, and visitor influx. You will form and nurture alliances with key tourism stakeholders including tourism boards, airlines, hospitality entities, OTAs, government bodies, and others to broaden market presence and support Qiddiya’s strategic destination goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Craft and implement destination partnership strategies aligned with commercial and marketing aims of Qiddiya.
• Identify, assess, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships with a range of tourism stakeholders such as tourism boards, airlines, hospitality groups, travel trade, OTAs, and destination marketing organizations.
• Lead collaborative marketing and co-operative campaigns with partners to enhance destination visibility and visitor numbers.
• Establish and maintain solid relationships with local, regional, and global tourism stakeholders.
• Develop framework agreements, business proposals, and partnerships delivering tangible commercial value.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Commercial, Destination Distribution, Events, and Operations teams to activate partnership programs.
• Represent Qiddiya at relevant industry gatherings including trade shows, forums, and exhibitions.
• Track partnership performance against key performance indicators and prepare reports for executive leadership outlining impact and growth opportunities.
• Scout and secure new partnership prospects that align with destination development and long-term strategies.
• Ensure contract governance and manage relationship compliance with all partners.
• Oversee partnership budgets and resource distribution to optimize investment returns.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Destination Partnerships team fostering a culture of high achievement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, International Business, or related disciplines.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years’ experience in strategic partnerships, business development, tourism, destination marketing, or related commercial roles.
• Prior experience within a Destination Marketing Organization, tourism authority, airline, hospitality group, destination developer, travel company, or major event entity.
• Proven track record in managing high-value strategic partnerships and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience engaging with senior leadership and managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
• Preferably prior experience in managing people.

Benefits

Becoming part of Qiddiya means joining a vibrant environment with growth prospects, a collaborative culture, and the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the destination as a key team contributor.