The main purpose of this role is managing and optimizing electronic distribution networks across all the properties of the company hotels. The Distribution Manager collaborates with the revenue team and other stakeholders to ensure effective e-distribution management, revenue optimization, and market competitiveness of the company hotels.
Distribution Channel Management
- Assist in the management and optimization of the company hotel's presence across many electronic distribution channels, such as online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDS), metasearch engines, direct booking channels, tour operators and travel agents.
- Ensure the Hotel's visibility and competitiveness on global platforms and make strategic conclusions about inventory allocation and price.
- Assist in the management and optimization of room inventory and rates across the group.
- Monitor availability, rates, and restrictions on distribution channels to ensure accurate and competitive pricing, room allocations, and inventory control.
- Manage and ensure optimum utilization of e-distribution platforms and technologies such as channel managers, revenue management systems, and online booking engines.
- ensuring that all distribution channels have accurate and up-to-date content, prices, and availability.
- Keep up with industry trends, new distribution technologies, and distribution channel changes.
- Look for new ways to use emerging platforms and technology to improve the hotel's e-distribution capabilities.
- Building rates and rate categories in Protel PMS, GDS, OBE and IDS.
- Analyse the performance of various distribution channels to find ways to boost income and maximize bookings.
- Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) for each property in the cluster, including as occupancy rates, average day rate (ADR), revenue, and conversion rates.
- Assist in the development and implementation of successful rate strategies based on market demand, competitor analysis, and revenue management principles for each property.
- Setting pricing tiers, discounts, packages, and promotions in order to maximize income and occupancy.
- Identify opportunities for optimization of e-distribution operations through automation, integration, and new technologies.
- Work with the sales and marketing teams to ensure that e-distribution strategies are in sync with overall sales and marketing efforts.
- Coordinating promotional efforts, optimizing channel mix, and offering information on market dynamics and e-distribution consequences.
- Work with other departments to optimize workflows and improve efficiency, such as reservations, sales, and revenue management.
- Create and implement training programs for the hotel's e-distribution team, which includes reservations agents, front desk workers, and other key individuals.
- Conduct hands-on training on e-distribution systems and tools used by hotels, including channel managers, revenue management systems, and online booking systems.
- Maintain extensive documentation and a knowledge base for e-distribution procedures, systems, and training materials.
- Ensure that relevant information is readily available to the revenue team for reference and decision-making.
- Address any technical issues or difficulties with e-distribution platforms, connectivity, or data synchronization.
- Diploma or certification related to e-distribution, revenue management, and marketing advantages but not essential.
- 2-3 years experience, working with distribution systems, online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDS), and other electronic distribution channels.
- Previous experience in e-distribution, revenue management, or digital marketing
- Strong knowledge of electronic distribution channels, online booking systems, and revenue management principles is essential.
- Familiarity with channel management tools, online travel agency extranets, tour operators, travel agents and GDS platforms is important.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite or other analytical tools to manipulate and analyse data is beneficial.
- Knowledge of Protel MPE property management system, rate building and distribution modules essential.
- Knowledge of NightsBridge, Siteminder and Atomize advantages.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
