How to become a Destination Manager

Becoming a Destination Manager

Destination management plays a vital role in helping organizations in the travel and tourism industry achieve their goals. It can unlock many benefits, such as delighting the travelers so they return to the destination, increasing revenue, and building a sustainable plan for the future.

What is a Destination Manager’s role?

Destination managers have a diverse range of responsibilities, which include selecting and hiring qualified staff, building relationships with travel providers such as hotels and car rental agencies and keeping abreast of industry trends and regulations. They are also responsible for overseeing daily operations of hotels and hospitality facilities, managing marketing efforts, reviewing reservations, and developing strategies to increase tourism. Additionally, they plan budgets for travel and tourism-related businesses and identify opportunities for improvement to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

A career as a Destination Manager can be an ideal way to blend your passion for business with your love of travel. With opportunities across a range of industries, from hospitality to transportation to entertainment, a career in tourism management offers a chance to explore new horizons. To launch your journey as a Destination Manager, it's crucial to deal with your marketing, sales, and customer service skills. You should stay abreast of industry trends by reading trade publications and attending relevant events. Building a network of contacts within the travel industry is also essential for career success.

What qualities and skills should a Destination Manager have?

• Strong managerial skills
• Effective communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Diplomatic and tactful in handling difficult situations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong negociation skills
• Sense of responsibility and accountability
• Agile in changing circumstances

What is the typical salary of a Destination Manager?

The salary of a Destination Manager is around €45 000 per year for a junior. A senior Destination Manager can expect to earn till €65 000 per year.

Which qualification do you need to become a Destination Manager?

Train to become a Destination Manager with the Esdes Master of Science Sustainable Tourism and Event Management in France.

This one-year specialization is available after a BBA or BSC in Tourism or event management or a Master 1 (equivalent to 240 ECTS) in France or abroad. The MSc Sustainable Tourism and Event Management is 100% taught in English. The program has been created under the careful guidance of professionals from both the International Tourism and Events sectors who have a first-hand understanding of the competencies and knowledge required to succeed in these industries. This program is devised using novel teaching approaches with hands-on fieldtrips, research and practitioner led teaching.

Get ready for green growth and join Esdes, the school of the responsible natives.