Director, Travel Trade & Tourism Development

About Visit Seattle

Visit Seattle is a private, non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) serving Seattle and King County. We exist to responsibly grow the visitor economy for the benefit of the community. 

About the Role

The Director, Travel Trade & Tourism Development is a strategic, results-driven leader responsible for the implementation, talent and outcomes of Visit Seattle’s tourism work with domestic and international travel trade. 

This role leads Visit Seattle’s tourism development work with airlines, tour operators, receptive operators, and wholesale partners, while overseeing five direct reports and collaborating closely with all Visit Seattle departments to provide critical leadership that elevates Seattle’s global positioning and increases product placement offered by travel trade in key markets. This position serves as a team leader as well as being a representative of Visit Seattle in key community and industry forums, partnering closely with all hospitality stakeholders to shape near and long-term tourism development strategies.

What You’ll Do

Department Leadership

Develop and execute strategic plans in conjunction with marketing, communication and membership divisions to promote, position and elevate Seattle and King County as a premier leisure destination offering by the travel trade.

Lead Visit Seattle’s travel trade distribution strategy, ensuring strong destination product placement across airline, tour operator, receptive, and wholesale channels in priority domestic and international markets.

Oversee and be actively engaged in daily operations of the tourism development team to maximize productivity and ensure industry leading, collaborative and prompt responses for our clients and hospitality community.

Manage all administrative areas related to tourism development, including goals and incentives, measurement systems, effective and innovative client development initiatives, CRM, reporting, data integrity, budget management and team compliance. 

Manage in-market representation agencies as warranted to support international tourism objectives.

Maintain expert-level knowledge of destination assets.

Stay informed on local and industry developments, initiatives, data, and trends.

Proactively identify challenges and ambitiously work to address them.

Serve as an industry expert related to international travel trends, headwinds and opportunities.

Analyze all business reports and data to drive continuous improvement.

Take on additional strategic projects as needed and as assigned.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, coach, and inspire the tourism development team.

Conduct regular strategy sessions, one-on-ones, and team meetings.

Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and incentives aligned with organizational priorities.

Attract, develop, engage and retain top talent critical to Visit Seattle’s success.

Role-model Visit Seattle’s core values: Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence.

Foster a positive, high-performance culture focused on service, accountability, innovation, and measurable impact.

Remove barriers to success, streamline processes, and ensure rapid response to client opportunities.

Develop and oversee departmental budgets in collaboration with department leaders, ensuring efficient resource allocation and achievement of revenue and engagement targets.

Client Relations, Industry & Community Representation

Represent Visit Seattle in professional organizations, partner collaborations, at trade shows, client events, and sales missions as needed.

Prepare and deliver reports and updates representing Visit Seattle tourism development at industry and community programs.

Foster relationships with the Seattle and King County hospitality community and Visit Seattle membership.

Collaborate closely with key industry partners including the Port of Seattle and Washington State Tourism.

Establish and maintain key relationships with airlines, tour operators, receptive tour operators and wholesalers related to key markets

Key Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years of domestic & international travel trade market development experience

Prior experience working directly with travel trade distribution channels (airlines, tour operators, wholesalers, or receptive operators required.

Deep knowledge of destination tourism development strategies.

Visionary leadership with the strong ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams.

A curious leader who displays consistent critical, collaborative, and thoughtful thinking.

Strong financial and business acumen, including budget management.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.

Outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Collaborative and innovative mindset aligned with Visit Seattle’s core values of Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence.

Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as required.

Valid passport.

Proficiency in CRM systems and data-driven analytics.

Active participation in tourism development/travel trade organizations preferred.

What We Offer

Visit Seattle offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, along with a positive, purpose-driven workplace culture. Our culture is guided by our values of Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence. We are passionate about championing our region as a world-class destination for travel and tourism and promoting the economic power of travel. 

Our benefits are always evolving, though here's a peek into your perks:

You'll have 15 days of Paid Time Off to start, with 12 paid office holidays and 1 Personal Holiday.

You'll have 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage paid for by Visit Seattle. In addition, Visit Seattle will cover 75% of premium for family coverage.

You'll receive an organization-paid ORCA card, and subsidized parking in the building’s garage (restrictions apply).

You'll be reimbursed for monthly cell phone expenses.

You'll receive 401(k) with up to a 5% organization match.

Base salary range: $120,000-$150,000 plus an annual incentive. Compensation decisions are based on experience and scope of responsibility. 

Our Commitment to Equity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and deeply committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe that diversity makes us stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to serve our communities. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities.

We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity, or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status or military service. 

Visit Seattle strives to create a meaningful interview experience for candidates. If you need accommodation for a disability or for any other reason during the hiring process, please let us know.