Ahmed Salama
Dubai
Summary
Results-driven sales performer with over a decade of experience in the luxury hotel industry with solid history of success in managing revenue streams and maintaining solid account relationships. Proven expertise in market analysis, strategic planning, and execution of sales strategies tailored to high-end clients. Skilled in establishing strategic partnerships and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals. Dedicated to exceeding sales targets and contributing to the overall success and prestige of luxury hotel brands.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director Of Sales- Leisure
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Kerzner International
02.2021 - 01.2024
- Manage existing international luxury leisure accounts, develop new business for Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, and assist positioning the resort within the leisure Local Destination Management companies.
- Achieved a growth of 23% YTD in revenue at the resort through a laser focused approach to local DMC's, event management agencies, Government, Diplomatic accounts and corporate accounts.
- Build up a strong relationship with luxury leisure consortia partners (Virtuoso, Serandipians,Internova, Signature Travel Network etc.) and participate in workshops and other business-related events organized by them.
- Successfully increased overall group sales revenue by 25% YTD through strategic market positioning and targeted WHL & MICE small and medium size groups & Series.
- Assist in developing the sales strategy and annual sales plan for the resort
- Identify target markets, market segments, and key customer groups
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities
- Provide leadership and guidance to the sales team, fostering a positive and productive work environment
- Set performance targets and KPIs for the sales team
- Conduct regular sales meetings and provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to team members
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including corporate accounts, group bookings, and events MICE business
- Ensure effective sales processes and systems are in place, including lead generation, prospecting, and sales tracking
- Coordinate with other departments, such as reservations, events, and catering, to ensure smooth execution of sales activities
- Prepare and present sales reports and performance analysis to the management team
- Monitor and manage the sales budget, ensuring expenses are within the allocated budget
- Ensure excellent customer service throughout the sales process, from initial inquiry to post-stay follow-up
- Communicate sales strategies, targets, and performance updates to the sales team and other relevant stakeholders
- Participate in industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to promote the resort and generate leads.
- Increased overall sales revenue by implementing effective sales strategies and building strong client relationships.
- Initiated Leisure wholesale contracts / promotions to the international markets and implemented strategic partnership agreements with selected partners to boost the luxury leisure market from CIS, GCC, UK, Germany and China to Bab Al Shams.
- Set the annual commercial plan and budget to include a strategic action plan on each segment/market.
- Expanded the hotel's presence in emerging markets, particularly within the UK and German ,CIS and Asian regions, leading to a 15% increase in international leisure bookings.
- Maintained an average guest satisfaction score of 93% for leisure guests by ensuring personalized service and memorable guest experiences.
Senior Sales Manager - GCC
ME Dubai By Melia - Luxury 5* Pre-opening
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Established strategic partnerships with leading travel agencies, luxury brands, and corporate organizations in the GCC, ensuring a steady influx of guests from day one.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive market penetration strategy specifically tailored for the GCC region, resulting in a robust pipeline of prospective corporate and leisure clients before the hotel's official opening.
- Achieved 40% of the first quarter’s revenue target prior to the hotel’s launch by securing advance bookings and long-term contracts with key clients in the GCC.
- Conducted exclusive pre-opening events and private tours for potential high-value clients, generating significant interest and early bookings from luxury travelers and corporate groups.
- Develop and implement a well-defined and focused sales action plan in line with the guidelines and directions of the Regional Sales office.
- Identify and develop new accounts that will generate incremental business for ME Dubai & MHI.
- Conduct Familiarization (FAM) Trips as needed to increase awareness of our hotel
- Establish and maintain active working partnerships with sales and key travel partners.
- Keep abreast of, and report on, market trends, competitor activities and client feedback in month-end reports.
- Participate in monthly regional Sales meetings as and when required.
Cluster Sales Manager - Leisure & Corporate
Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach and Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah
01.2017 - 10.2019
- Government organizations, Corporate and wholesalers within a portfolio in GCC&ME market
- Proactive Leisure Sales and handle the top local DMCs and GCC partners.
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets and forecasts, contributing to informed financial decision-making within the organization.
- Organized various trade shows and events, promoting brand awareness and generating valuable leads for future business endeavors.
- Secured contracts with major corporations, leading to a 40% increase in corporate bookings and events hosted at the hotel.
- Increased overall sales revenue from GCC region by 30% year-over-year through targeted sales strategies and effective client relationship management.
Assistant Sales Manager-Leisure
Grand Hyatt Dubai & Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Hotels
06.2015 - 01.2017
- Manage existing local leisure accounts, develop new business.
- Boosted leisure sales revenue by 20% year-over-year through targeted marketing campaigns and strategic sales initiatives.
- Successfully acquired and onboarded over 50 new leisure travel agencies , expanding the hotel's client base.
- Received internal Hyatt award recognition for outstanding performance and contribution to the leisure sales department
Assistant Reservations Manager
Hyatt Worldwide Contact Center Dubai
11.2011 - 05.2015
- Streamlined reservation processes, reducing booking time by 15% and enhancing overall efficiency.
- Supervised and mentored a team of 17 reservation agents, resulting in a 20% improvement in team performance and customer satisfaction scores.
- Maintained an average customer satisfaction score of 95% by delivering high-quality service and resolving issues promptly.
- Efficiently handled and resolved escalated customer complaints, achieving a 90% resolution rate within 24 hours.
- Worked closely with the sales, marketing, and operations departments to ensure alignment and optimize guest and clients experience.
Guest Relation Assistant Manager
ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS
11.2009 - 10.2011
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service and responded to customer concerns with friendly and knowledgeable service.
Custom Clearance Officer
Maersk Line Worldwide
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Ensured compliance with international and local customs regulations, reducing clearance delays and avoiding penalties.
- Managed and reviewed shipping documents, including bills of lading, invoices, and certificates of origin, ensuring 100% accuracy.
- Streamlined customs clearance processes, decreasing average clearance time by 20% and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Delivered excellent customer service by promptly addressing client inquiries and providing regular updates on shipment status.
Education
Bachelor's degree in business administration -
Faculty of Commerce- Suez Canal University Port Said
Egypt05.2003
Skills
- Pre-Opening experience
- Strategic Sales Planning
- High-Value Client Acquisition and Retention
- Event Sales and Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Market Analysis and Competitive Positioning
- Excellent Leadership and Interpersonal skills
- Communication Skills
Trainingsandseminars
- Reserve, Lanyon, Opera PMS FullService Training
- Guest Relation training and soft skills & Time management certificate
- TSA Reservation Sales training
- Administration training from (ADNH) Abu Dhabi national hotels
- Basic firefighting course from Team Safety Consultants
- First aid course from the Egyptian Red Crescent
- Microsoft Certified: MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineering)
- Certificate TOEFL
- ICDL international computer driving license syllabus windows
- Diploma in Information Technology from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Egypt
- Diploma in Customs clearance of the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Department Egypt
References
- Russell Dillon - Director of sales & Marketing
- Nadia Ghandoor - Director of sales
- Alaa Mostafa - Head of Asset Management-Hotels
- Bianca Nastase - General Manager
- Camelia Binbrek - Director of Sales & Marketing
Languages
Arabic
English
Timeline
Assistant Director Of Sales- Leisure
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Kerzner International
02.2021 - 01.2024
Senior Sales Manager - GCC
ME Dubai By Melia - Luxury 5* Pre-opening
11.2019 - 01.2021
Cluster Sales Manager - Leisure & Corporate
Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach and Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah
01.2017 - 10.2019
Assistant Sales Manager-Leisure
Grand Hyatt Dubai & Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Hotels
06.2015 - 01.2017
Assistant Reservations Manager
Hyatt Worldwide Contact Center Dubai
11.2011 - 05.2015
Guest Relation Assistant Manager
ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS
11.2009 - 10.2011
Custom Clearance Officer
Maersk Line Worldwide
01.2004 - 01.2009
Bachelor's degree in business administration -
Faculty of Commerce- Suez Canal University Port Said
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