The Quorum Hotel

Mysore, Karnataka

Hotel sales managers are responsible for bringing in guests and making the hotel money. They may work with senior sales managers or owners to plan sales promotions, set sales goals, and train staff. These professionals not only seek out business with individual guests but also typically meet with large groups, such as churches, traveling executives, and family reunions to stay with their hotel. Agreements with large groups allows for successful repeat business, which generates sales for the entire company. A hotel sales manager also sells prospective and current guests on the hotel's services, such as dining options, swimming pools, and exercise rooms, as well as to notify them of room upgrades. Possessing complete knowledge of all of the services the hotel offers is important for making a successful sale. Many hotel sales managers start in hotel support positions then receive promotions after having been with the company for some time. Hotel sale managers have the option of venturing into public relations, marketing, or convention sales within the hotel industry. Upscale and luxury hotels typically require a college degree and extensive experience in hospitality. Working irregular and long hours on both weekends and evenings are commonly required of hotel sales managers. Sometimes, they have to work longer than the traditional 40-hour week. Travel locally, regionally, and nationally to meet with prospective guests and other sales managers to discuss business is often necessary. Transfers from one office to another are also common in this career, so hotel sales managers should be comfortable with relocating if needed. Employers look for hotel sales managers that are flexible, decisive, motivated, reliable, and creative. Due to the potential pressure to generate sales, hotel sales managers should be able to handle and manage stress appropriately.