Tourism Sales & Market Development Executive

Tourism Sales & Market Development ExecutiveEnglish-Speaking Markets
Location: Ciudad Colón, Costa RicaReports to: Commercial DirectorWork Model: On-site during the initial training period, followed by a hybrid/remote arrangementWorking Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. + occasional SaturdaysTarget Markets: United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe
POSITION PURPOSE
The Tourism Sales & Market Development Executive will be responsible for driving the development and growth of English-speaking markets by identifying new business opportunities, actively prospecting potential clients and strategic partners, developing international accounts, and achieving established sales targets.
The position will have a primary B2B focus, targeting travel agencies, wholesalers, tour operators, corporate accounts and strategic partners, while also managing selected B2C opportunities.
The role will combine business development, sales, tourism product creation and customer relationship management, with a strong focus on tailor-made travel experiences, FIT programs and groups. The successful candidate will contribute to positioning Costa Rica as a specialized destination for nature-based and sustainable travel experiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Market & Business DevelopmentIdentify and develop new business opportunities in English-speaking markets.Proactively prospect travel agencies, wholesalers, tour operators, corporate accounts and strategic partners.Build and develop a portfolio of international B2B and B2C clients.Research market trends, competitors, customer needs and new business opportunities.Develop creative strategies to enter new markets and acquire new accounts.Establish and maintain long-term commercial relationships with international partners.Participate in tourism fairs, trade shows, networking events and industry activities.Represent the company professionally with potential clients and strategic partners.2. Sales & Account ManagementManage the complete sales cycle, from prospecting and qualification through negotiation, closing and follow-up.Respond to inquiries from international clients and travel agencies in English.Prepare quotations, commercial proposals and customized travel itineraries.Design tailor-made travel solutions based on customer requirements.Follow up consistently on leads, opportunities and proposals.Maintain an organized and updated sales pipeline.Achieve established sales and revenue targets.Identify opportunities for repeat business, account growth and long-term partnerships.Contribute directly to revenue generation through the acquisition of new accounts.3. Tourism Product & Content DevelopmentCreate, update and adapt tourism products for English-speaking markets.Develop customized FIT programs and group travel proposals.Design itineraries focused on specialized tourism segments.Develop experiences related to nature, wildlife, birdwatching, photography, botany and other niche markets.Ensure products reflect principles of sustainability and social and cultural development.Prepare and adapt product descriptions, itineraries and commercial content in English.Maintain accurate and competitive product information and pricing.4. Marketing & Business PromotionPropose creative ideas and initiatives to increase visibility in target markets.Collaborate on digital marketing campaigns and lead-generation strategies.Identify new channels and platforms for reaching international B2B clients.Support promotional activities aimed at travel agencies, wholesalers and other industry partners.Participate in tourism trade shows, industry events and international promotional initiatives.Contribute ideas for campaigns, partnerships and commercial materials designed to generate new business.5. Customer Support & Operational CoordinationProvide support to international clients during their stay in Costa Rica when required.Participate in a rotating emergency support schedule.Handle situations involving weather conditions, transportation changes, itinerary modifications and other travel-related issues.Follow established emergency procedures, manuals and escalation protocols.Communicate effectively with clients, suppliers and internal teams to resolve operational issues.Escalate critical situations appropriately and ensure timely follow-up.Maintain a high standard of customer service throughout the travel experience.6. International Travel & Commercial RepresentationTravel nationally and internationally for business development and commercial representation.Attend tourism fairs, trade shows and networking events in Costa Rica, Europe, Germany and the United States.Participate in industry events and promotional activities in key U.S. cities and international destinations.Develop relationships with potential clients and partners during commercial events.Represent the organization and its tourism products in a professional and engaging manner.Business-related transportation, travel expenses and per diem will be covered by the company.
REQUIRED PROFILEEducation & Professional ExperienceUniversity or technical studies in Tourism, Business Administration, Marketing, International Business or a related field is preferred.2–3 years of professional experience in sales, business development, inbound tourism, travel agencies, DMCs, tour operators or wholesalers.Demonstrated experience in prospecting, sales development and client acquisition.Knowledge of Costa Rica as a tourism destination.Experience developing customized travel proposals is highly desirable.Language RequirementsExcellent English, both written and spoken — mandatory.German language proficiency is considered an additional asset but is not mandatory.Preferred Knowledge & Technical SkillsInbound tourism and destination management.Costa Rica's tourism products and destinations.FIT and group travel.B2B and B2C sales.International business development.Tourism rates, quotations and program development.Travel distribution platforms.Digital marketing and lead generation.CRM and sales pipeline management.Tourism trade shows and international commercial activities.
KEY COMPETENCIESStrong results orientation.Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.Business development and prospecting skills.Strong negotiation and closing abilities.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Commercial and strategic thinking.Creativity and initiative.Customer orientation.Autonomy and strong organizational skills.Ability to build long-term business relationships.Adaptability and flexibility.Ability to manage multiple priorities.Sound judgment and composure when handling customer emergencies.Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
COMPENSATION & WORKING CONDITIONSBase Salary: Approximately US$1,200–US$1,500 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.Commission: Performance-based commission scheme tied to the achievement of established sales targets.Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Occasional Saturdays: Based on operational or commercial requirements.Initial Training: On-site training for approximately 1–3 months, depending on the individual's adaptability to the company's systems and processes.Post-Training: Hybrid or remote work arrangement.Availability to attend the office in San José when required.Availability for national and international business travel.Company-covered business travel, transportation and per diem expenses.Participation in a rotating emergency support schedule.