Senior Business Development Manager – GCC & Middle East Market

About the role

Palazzo Versace Dubai is looking for an experienced, commercially‑driven Senior Business Development Manager to lead growth across the GCC and wider Middle East. The role focuses on building strategic partnerships with luxury travel agents, tour operators, DMCs and corporate/government travel segments.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the annual GCC & Middle East business development strategy aligned with commercial objectives.
• Drive new business acquisition while strengthening relationships with existing key accounts.
• Build and maintain a strong network of travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, luxury travel advisors and strategic partners.
• Identify and develop new revenue opportunities within established and emerging GCC source markets.
• Establish relationships with senior decision‑makers in major travel companies and corporate accounts.
• Create joint business opportunities, campaigns, promotions and preferred partnerships.
• Manage production from existing accounts with clear targets for room nights, revenue and market share.
• Represent the company at regional and international travel trade exhibitions and industry events.
• Collaborate with hotel sales, marketing, revenue management and operations to convert opportunities.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends and provide regular market intelligence to senior management.

Required profile

• 5+ years of relevant experience in hotel sales development.
• Proven track record in the GCC/Middle East leisure market.
• Established network of relationships with major travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs and corporate/government travel segments.
• Demonstrated business generation and revenue growth rather than pure account servicing.
• Strong understanding of the leisure travel landscape and luxury hotel sales.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial and relationship‑management abilities.
• Ability to identify opportunities, devise sales strategies and drive conversion.
• Outstanding presentation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deep knowledge of distribution channels and ability to work with senior decision‑makers.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills and familiarity with sales performance metrics.