Director, Destination Services

Title Director, Destination Services
Category Corporate

The World, Residences at Sea, is the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth. At The World we are one team, we are always passionate and caring and we support one another in mutual respect. We believe in our mission and drive for continuous improvement by challenging each other to be better and by measuring and benchmarking against the best. We take ownership and hold ourselves accountable. We have a unified, empowered, and strong team culture that values diversity and recognizes, develops and retains talent.

The Director, Destination Services’ primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the strategic and day to day planning efforts of the Destination Services team to deliver world-class, luxury shoreside programming that exceeds Residents’ expectations in “bringing the destination alive.”

This position ensures the programming focuses on culture and in-depth learning, exclusive access and off-the-beaten track attractions, and one-of-a-kind experiences that enhance the Residents’ appreciation of The World’s global itinerary. The Director, Destination Services oversees a Sr. Manager, Destination Operations and Lead, Destination Planning Manager who are responsible for the day-to-day operation and the team’s planning of, on average, more than 100 ports per year: operational support of the onboard concierge team, and the planning of up to three expeditions per year. The Director, Destination Service oversees a Sr. Manager, Publications and a team of writers and researchers responsible for creating a wide range of marketing materials to promote Destination Experiences, including an individual guidebook for each port.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

  • Responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of The World’s destination programs, which aim to provide Residents with unique and customized experiences in various destinations around the world.
  • Coordinates with a product development and research consultant to ensure a long-term strategy and diverse range of Destination Experiences are offered to the Community, such as Overland Journeys, Design Your Own Day, Dive & Snorkel, and more.
  • Attends industry-related conventions and trade shows, scouts new programming opportunities in new destinations, and builds relationships with tourism officials and suppliers to cultivate new opportunities.
  • Oversees the Integrated Programming Committee process and the “Tapestry” team to coordinate product delivery and related operations between Ship and shore.
  • Partners with the Director of Itinerary Planning and the Sr. Manager, Destination Operations to plan, communicate, and execute The World’s annual expeditions, including programming, budgets, and logistics.
  • Works closely with the Director of Itinerary Planning and the Sr. Manager, Destination Operations during the itinerary planning process to provide preliminary research on Destination Experiences for consideration in upcoming itineraries.
  • Works closely with Sales & Marketing to highlight Destination Experiences in all marketing materials.
  • Coordinates with the Lead, Destination Planning Manager to oversee the day-to-day worldwide Destination Services operation, the team of Destination Planning Managers, and the vetting and selection of shoreside programming.
  • Works closely with the Sr. Manager, Destination Operations to oversee the onboard operation and service levels of The World Concierge.
  • Ensures members of the Destination Services team are cross-trained and a succession plan is in place.
  • Partners with the Sr. Manager, Publications to oversee the creation, development, and publication of a variety of educational and marketing content for the Community via various communication channels produced by a team of writers and researchers.
  • Cultivates strong Resident relationships to gain an understanding of their shoreside programming preferences, provides regular updates on future destination planning options, responds to Resident feedback and suggestions, and engages with the Resident community to ensure the vision of destination services continues to evolve and exceed their expectations.

 

Qualifications, Education and Experience

§ BA/BS Degree or foreign equivalency required.

§ Minimum of (5) years of experience in designing, managing, and executing diverse 5* luxury travel experiences, including expeditions, ideally for high net worth discerning clientele

§ Prior planning experience working with worldwide deluxe Tour / Travel companies, 5* resorts or cruise ships.

§ Excellent managerial skills, ability to lead people and provide performance management.

§ Strong listening skills: ability to negotiate and to be persuasive using facts and figures.

§ Must be self-motivated, assume responsibility and accountability.

§ Ability to work independently and multi-task in high pressure and demanding situations.

§ Proficiency in Microsoft Office products or equivalent (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

§ Budget development and cost control analysis skills

§ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong presentation skills

§ Demonstrates problem definition and resolution skills, thinks creatively.

§ Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills

 

Please note that all candidates must complete an online employment application before being considered for any open position. Interviews will only be arranged after receipt and review of such online application and are ‘by appointment only’. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a representative of the Human Resources Team.

 
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